E2. Israel on the Brink of Anarchy - Vivian Bercovici in conversation with Haviv Rettig Gur
E2. Israel on the Brink of Anarchy - Vivian Bercovici in conversation with Haviv Rettig Gur
This past week has been one of unprecedented violence in Israel: terrorist murders, Jewish revenge attacks and fears of civil war.
Appears in this episode
Israel is descending quickly into a crisis that, if unchecked, may well lead to civil war. These are the words of President Isaac Herzog. The words and fears of MK Benny Gantz, former IDF Chief of Staff and Minister of Defence. For months now, the country has been cleaved by sharp divisions that go to the core of Israel’s identity as a liberal democracy. The hard right-wing government coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brought together some very extreme interests and they are bulldozing their judicial “reforms” through the legislative process at breakneck speed. There is no proper consultation or public discussion and many are of the view that if implemented these changes will destroy the country by allowing extreme religious and political agendas to control national priorities. The tensions peaked on Wednesday night when police used unprecedented violence against peaceful demonstrators, sending 11 to hospital for treatment. Vivian Bercovici, in conversation with journalist Haviv Rettig Gur, on why this time is different. And how much worse it could still get.
E2. Israel on the Brink of Anarchy - Vivian Bercovici in conversation with Haviv Rettig Gur
The tactic of harassing and pressuring coalition members (and members of their families) is something that Netanyahu orchestrated very successfully against perceived "weak links" in the Bennett-Lapid coalition last year. What happened at the ritzy hair salon on Wednesday night was nothing compared to what the then-opposition did to Silman, Orbach and others as part of Netanyahu's scorched-earth campaign to bring down the "change coalition" and force a new election. These people were harassed in shul, in their neighborhood, their kids were hassled in school... It was vicious and hateful. Much worse than anything the current protestors are doing to the architects of the current campaign to establish one-party rule with no checks and balances.
So sad that this is happening in Israel. That there is even a discussion about the country becoming a theocratic state (jail sentence for immodest western wall dress) like its worst enemy Iran..Haviv Rettig Gur speaks in such calm and measured tones. Let's hope others listen to this voice of reason . Israel has enough external enemies. To be divided internally is dangerous. And shameful acts of burning Palestinian cars and homes will only lead to loss of international support.