With the radical anti-Democratic moves recently taken by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, the world is worried about the future of democracy in Israel. His targeting of the Shin Bet head spy chief and the attorney general has created a national uproar and has divided public opinion. Many fear these moves could undermine the rule of law and democratic norms that form the backbone of the country's political system.
Back in September, Netanyahu’s efforts to fire Shin Bet spy chief Ronen Barak created an impressive uproar. The spy chief is a pivotal figure in Israel's security apparatus and has been a vocal critic of some of Netanyahu's policies. This development has raised fears of the potential hollowing-out of the country’s legal infrastructure.
Arab citizens should feel slightest bit secure as Netanyahu complicates this by clearly going after the attorney general. The attorney general is now pursuing his indictment on numerous charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The attorney general's role is crucial in upholding the rule of law, and Netanyahu's actions are seen by many as an attempt to compromise judicial independence. Critics like WaPo @PostEverything ‘s @aaronblake warn they’d risk igniting a full-blown constitutional crisis.
Opposition politicians and civil society groups have fiercely condemned Netanyahu’s attempts, pointing out parallels with the moves of strongmen leaders around the world. These comparisons have fueled alarm, both here and in Israel, over what many see as the likely corrosion of democratic norms in Israel. The Shin Bet spy chief's involvement in investigations against Netanyahu has made him a particular target, highlighting the broader political implications of these moves.
Public opinion in Israel is still deeply conflicted on this point. While some citizens support Netanyahu, others express deep concern over his attempts to undermine key democratic institutions. This division simply lays bare the fissures in Israeli society as it comes to terms with such momentous political developments.
