What does 'right-wing' actually mean in Israeli politics anymore? - opinion
Most Israelis want the country to be a Jewish-majority state that remains democratic - and that doesn’t make any of them left-wing or right-wing.
In Israeli politics, the term "right-wing" seems to have lost its original meaning. Politicians who oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government often adopt the label, as do those who disagree with Likud on fundamental issues. Even those who identify as left-leaning sometimes fear being mistaken for "left-wing." So, what does "right-wing" truly signify in Israel?
Firstly, being right-wing no longer means upholding economic principles. The author, a capitalist, believes capitalism is the best economic principle we have, even if they don't think it can solve all social issues. However, many in Israel's right-wing parties are not economically conservative. The constituencies most reliant on state transfers tend to support right-wing parties due to the substantial public spending flowing to them. This doesn't align with their economic interests.
Secondly, being right-wing might mean being a Zionist. The author, who considers the Jews a nation, argues they have the right to establish a state in their ancestral homeland. They question the focus on the Nakba (the Palestinian displacement) as an unparalleled tragedy, given the numerous other instances of population movements and boundary changes in the mid-20th century. The author also criticizes the use of Palestinian refugees' hardships to justify an eternal claim against Israel's existence.
Thirdly, being right-wing doesn't mean supporting a strictly nationalist agenda. The author, while wanting Israel to remain a Jewish state, believes it's possible to do so without being a democracy or a majority-Jewish state. They suggest a partition, with the relinquished territory becoming an independent Palestinian state under Jordanian control. This position, they argue, is both moral and strategically sound.
Lastly, being right-wing in Israel means advocating for a liberal democracy. The author supports the idea that citizens should have rights that survive elections, and that there should be institutions to constrain government power. They believe in equal rights for all citizens, including protection for minorities and an independent judiciary.
Thus, in today's Israeli political landscape, being right-wing is a complex and often contradictory label, encompassing a range of ideological positions.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
