IS ISRAEL'S DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT?

The Jewish Independent's webinar provided an update on the fragility of Israeli's democracy Here are a few key items I noted.

·      A recent law passed by the Knesset (Parliament) states that every judge appointed to any court in Israel will be made by the government. This means the judiciary will be under the control of Parliament.

·      Attempts to fire Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar is a political tactic by Prime Minister Netanyahu to remove corruption charges levelled against him.

·      Shin Bet is seen by Israelis as a force for democracy to counter Netanyahu's quest for absolute power. Demonstrations continue to support Ronen Bar.

·      If Netanyahu had integrity he should have stepped down as Prime Minster as Golda Meir did, blamed for the Yom Kippur war in 1973. Other leaders have stood down in Israel taking responsibility for lack of vigilance in the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023. Why not Netanyahu?

·      70% of Israelis want Netanyahu to go but only after the war is finished. Is this a reason why he wants the war to continue?

·      Despite the war Israel's economy is reasonably strong.

·      The Abraham Accords were successful and strong signs that other Arab states including the Saudis and Jordan will join.

To view the 75 minute presentation click https://thejewishindependent.com.au/is-israels-democracy-at-risk presentationhttpthejewishindependent.com.au/is-israels-democracy-at-riskclick https://thejewishindependent.com.au/is-israels-democracy-at-risk://thejewishindependent.com.au/is-israels-

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