Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: In Israel’s floundering, their future, and ours

Source– The post is based on the article “Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: In Israel’s floundering, their future, and ours” published in “The Indian Express” on 27th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International politics

Relevance: The state of Israel and nationalism

News- The Israeli Knesset has voted 64-0 on a bill to limit judicial power. One of the objectives of the Bill is to limit the use of “reasonableness” as a standard to be used in judicial review.

What is criticism against the Israeli state?

The State of Israel came into being in the aftermath of the Holocaust. There are contradictions between being a Jewish State and being a liberal democracy.

Israel had some of the features of European nationalism that was responsible for Jewish flight from Europe.

It denied Palestinians all legitimate rights and occupied its territory. Its goal is subjugation of the Palestinians and annexation of all Palestinian territory.

Why is the Israeli government curbing the power of the judiciary?

Some view this crisis as simply a consequence of Benjamin Netanyahu’s will to power.

Israel’s judiciary has withstood wars and security challenges. Israel lacks federalism or a bicameral legislature to counterbalance executive authority. So, the judiciary is a critical pillar of the system.

Despite its significance, the judiciary has been unable to prevent the continuation of the Occupation.

Nonetheless, there are concerns that the judiciary’s emphasis on upholding a regime of rights might impede the government’s comprehensive right-wing agenda.

How has Netanhayu strengthened his position through right-wing agenda?

The collapse of the peace accords had detrimental effects on the political Left in Israel. It diminished its ideological influence.

Israel’s social fabric is intricate. Netanyahu capitalised on this by rallying support against the established elites. He painted them as soft, culturally disconnected, and disdainful of orthodoxy.

Netanyahu also harnessed the resentment of the orthodox community against secular and Jewish immigrants from other Arab countries. This approach justified the dismantling of institutions under the guise of anti-elitism.

How does this instance provide some valuable lessons about nationalism?

At first glance, ultra-nationalism may seem like a minor faction. It is believed that we can keep it in check. However, its impact is far-reaching.

It gradually infects the political system. Economic growth and security measures do not curb its growth. Instead, it exploits these factors to strengthen its grip until it becomes too powerful to contain.

When culture intertwined with politics, it often leads to reactionary consequences. In current times, the flaws and inadequacies of liberal nationalism have been exposed. It is accused of not being liberal or nationalist enough.

The lesson is clear: Nationalism will perpetually demand more from liberalism than liberalism can extract from nationalism.