Six out of ten Israelis fear for the future of democracy in their country

Six out of ten Israelis fear for the future of Israel as a democratic state before the formation of what is expected to be the most right-wing government in the history of the country, after Benjamin Netanyahu It will close pacts with the extreme right and only have agreements pending with the ultra-Orthodox parties.

61% of Israeli citizens are concerned about the continuity of the country’s democratic system, compared to another 35% who are not, according to a poll broadcast last night by Channel 12 news.

The 41% of respondents who supported the parties of Netanyahu’s right-wing and religious bloc in the November 1 elections – who won 64 seats in a Parliament of 120 – also believe that the country’s democratic foundation is in question, as is the 82% of people who voted for anti-Netanyahu bloc formations.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, leader of the Jewish supremacist and anti-Arab party Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) will have the portfolio of Public Security and the police forces will pass under his control. Among other issues, this far-right advocates acting more harshly in clashes with Palestinians, is in favor of deporting “disloyal” Arabs to Israel and advocates a more forceful colonization of Palestinian territory.

Religious Zionism party number one, Bezalel Smotrich, has a similar political agenda. A few days ago he closed a pact with Netanyahu, who agreed to give him the Ministry of Finance – which he will have on a rotating basis until the middle of the legislature – and broad ministerial powers within the Ministry of Defense.

This last body is in charge of managing civil affairs for the Palestinian population in the occupied West Bank. Smotrich will have power within this delicate portfolio in areas such as the management or construction of settlements, as well as the construction or demolition of Palestinian homes.

At this point, Netanyahu still has to sign agreements with the two ultra-Orthodox parties of his bloc, Shas and United Torah Judaism. He has a margin until December 11, when his mandate to create an executive given to him by the Israeli president expires, although he could extend it for 14 more days.

Faced with a government that will have many ultra-conservative and religious components, the mayor of the liberal city of Tel Aviv, Ron Huldai, warned yesterday that “Israel is transforming from a democracy to a theocracy.”

“In all fascist states, the leaders were elected by the people,” warned Huldai, who insisted that “the majority cannot be allowed to impose their views on the minority.”

However, in the face of criticism from his opponents, Benjamin Netanyahu remarked yesterday that he will govern “in accordance with national and democratic principles.”

Source: Elcomercio

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I am Jack Morton and I work in 24 News Recorder. I mostly cover world news and I have also authored 24 news recorder. I find this work highly interesting and it allows me to keep up with current events happening around the world.