As contentious judicial 'reform' becomes law in Israel, Netanyahu cements his political legacy

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Opponents say the law threatens democracy; supporters argue it protects the will of the electoral majority.

Metadata

Provider:

The Conversation

URL:

https://theconversation.com/as-contentious-judicial-reform-becomes-law-in-israel-netanyahu-cements-his-political-legacy-210043

Retrieved on:

Monday, July 24, 2023

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Geotags:

IRAN, EGYPT, MIDDLE EAST, ISRAEL

Summary

Key Points:

Opponents say the law threatens democracy; supporters argue it protects the will of the electoral majority.
Netanyahu has been a political force and survivor in Israeli politics since the 1990s.
As a scholar of Middle Eastern politics, I think that Netanyahu’s long-term legacy will be based on three major developments.

From democracy to theocracy

That helped Israel keep and enhance its historic strong support from the U.S. government.
The second set him up for political success in a country in which the army is a key – and revered – institution.
Like other elected strongmen, he and his allies have gained support from, and encouraged, right-wing nationalists and divisive politics.
The longer Netanyahu has held power in Israel, the more allegations of corruption and criminal conduct he has faced.
The two groups have different visions for Israel’s future, with the latter citizens pushing the country in a more theocratic direction.

Distancing Palestinians

Netanyahu has long pledged to avoid compromising with Palestinians over control of territory and security in the West Bank and Gaza, areas under Israeli military control since 1967.
Among his most tangible legacies is the physical barrier now separating West Bank Palestinians from Israelis, which gives Israeli authorities great control over how West Bank Palestinians enter Israel.
The barrier has kept Israeli Jews from much contact with Palestinians other than during military service.
Reflecting the sentiments of his right-wing base, Netanyahu has had a generally consistent response to Hamas, and Palestinians more generally.

Reshaping Israel’s alliances

Those efforts stem in part from his relentless drive to curb Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
Netanyahu has played up this hostility to domestic and international audiences, even urging the U.S. to attack Iran.
Yet Netanyahu’s policies are also causing major cracks in support for Israel from its central ally, the U.S.
In recent years, Israeli and American Jews have diverged increasingly on the ethics and importance of Palestinian autonomy.
It’s clear that the country’s military security and cooperation with major Arab states in the Middle East have expanded.