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Israel’s rightwing must accept compromise now

The very soul of Israel, and Jews everywhere, is at stake

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Newly elected Israeli president Isaac Herzog seen at the Israeli pariament on the day of the presidential elections, in Jerusalem, June 2, 2021. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

March 16, 2023 12:45

The grave warnings from Israel’s president that the country is on the brink of “civil war”, riven by “ deep hatred”, are deeply alarming. The government’s plans for judicial reform has plunged the nation into dangerous waters.

One of the proudest boasts often made about Israel is that it is the only democracy in the Middle East.

True, the Jewish state’s commitment to proportional representation has led to chaotic coalitions and frequent elections but at least its government has always had the authority that comes from winning votes, unlike neighbouring authoritarian regimes.

But now, 60 per cent of Israelis are against the legal reform proposals, which means that many who voted for the right-wing coalition do not back its plans. Israel’s stability and prosperity are in the balance.

Tech companies threaten to relocate if the changes are made and pilots are boycotting training sessions.

A full-blown consititutional crisis looms, should the Supreme Court overturn legislation curbing its own powers. This could leave the army, police and civil service having to decide whom to obey and whom to ignore.

The roots of this conflict lie in the foundation of the state 75 years ago. The Declaration of Independence promised a constitution but the Knesset failed to agree one.

Instead, a makeshift arrangement grew up with the Supreme Court acting as the main check to governmental power. This vagueness is at the heart of the current crisis.

Israel must look deeply at its constitutional flaws. President Herzog has put forward a framework. His proposal calls for a new constitution for his nation, “an agreement on the relations of the authorities in our Jewish and democratic country, in our beloved country”.

But first there must be compromise. It must come now. Israel’s supporters — including the vast majority of British Jews — will be praying for sanity to prevail. The very soul of Israel, and Jews everywhere, is at stake.

March 16, 2023 12:45

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