Netanyahu’s Unprecedented Crisis in Israel’s Military and Harsh International Criticism
Massive protests have been ongoing for 12 weeks in Israel against judicial reforms. The proposed judicial reforms would put strict limits on the judiciary, enabling the parliament to override Supreme Court decisions. Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and Likud party have been advocating for these reforms for over a decade. However, the plan has created an unprecedented crisis in Israel’s military and led to harsh international criticism.
Unrest, Destabilized Economy, and Threat to Israeli Society
Moreover, the plan has created unrest, destabilized the economy, and threatened to tear Israeli society apart. Public opinion polls show a sharp decline in Netanyahu’s popularity and public support for his party, with the coalition facing an unprecedented defeat. The judicial overhaul has become a threat to the Likud staying in power, and many moderate Likud voters are switching their support to Gantz’s centerright party.
Gantz Emerges as One of the Biggest Winners
Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz has emerged as one of the biggest winners in the last three months by opposing the judicial overhaul and calling for a national dialogue. He has capitalized on Netanyahu’s plunging approval rating, reflecting how the judicial overhaul could destroy his political career and legacy.
Crisis in Israel Over Judicial Reforms
Mass protests started after the demonstration of 20,000 people, with leaders of different groups unifying to make it a patriotic Israeli demonstration. The adoption of the Israeli flag created a rift with Palestinian citizens who support an independent judiciary but don’t feel part of the national narrative.
Defense Minister Fired over Speech
The defense minister was fired after making a speech that warned of weaknesses and damage the reforms were causing to Israel’s military preparedness. Netanyahu wanted complete control over the coalition and the country, and fired the defense minister for going against his policies and announcing it without his control.
Cracks in the Likud Party
There were already cracks in the Likud party, with some senior figures privately telling Netanyahu that the process had gone awry. Firing the defense minister triggered extreme responses from protesters, with mass demonstrations and a general strike being called. The business community in Israel was also opposed to the judicial reforms.
Polarization of Israeli Media
In addition to judicial reforms, Israeli media is also polarized. Yair Netanyahu hosts a show on Galey Israel, a West Bank-based radio station, which promotes right-wing messaging and conspiracy theories. Galey Israel is one of several media platforms established by the right under Netanyahu’s leadership. The aim of these platforms is to create a bubble for passionate and devout right-wing supporters.
Populism and Demise of Center Politics
Netanyahu and his supporters are trapped in a bubble of sycophants and lackeys, disconnected from mainstream Israeli society. Populism is a movement that disdains knowledge and revolves around a demonstration of aggression rather than expertise. The goal of the right is to destroy the Israeli political center and erase the country’s collective center, which represents objectivity, decency, and complexity. Channel 14’s real goal is to paint the rest of the media as mouthpieces of the left and eliminate the center.
Need for Rational and Broadly Popular Frameworks
Echo chambers are toxic for running a society, and there is a need for rational and broadly popular frameworks that respect all citizens and distribute resources fairly. The US has lost the war for the survival of its political center, but there is still a chance to save it in Israel. Civil society organizations should continue to make their voices heard against populist narratives that are hurtful to democracy.
In conclusion, Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan has caused a political crisis in Israel, with massive protests erupting across the country. The plan has caused unrest, destabilized the economy, and threatened to tear Israeli society apart. Benny Gantz has emerged as one of the biggest winners in the last three months by opposing the judicial overhaul and calling for a national dialogue. The US has lost the war for the survival of its political center, but there is still a chance to save it in Israel. Civil society organizations should continue to make their voices heard against populist narratives that are hurtful to democracy.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
