This Israeli election could be the country’s last – this week I saw that for myself
Spend time on the ground and you see how high the stakes are for next month’s contest – for Israelis and Palestinians alike
TL;DR
- Israel's upcoming election on October 27th is considered the most important in the country's history.
- There are fears that a re-election of Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition could lead to the end of democracy in Israel-proper.
- The current government is accused of a sustained assault on liberal democracy, aiming to create an 'elective dictatorship'.
- Democratic norms are reportedly breaking down, with incidents like threats against filmmakers and disinformation campaigns.
- The judiciary is seen as the last serious obstacle to Netanyahu's power, and its dismantling is expected if he wins.
- Settlement expansion and violence in the West Bank are accelerating, leading to the displacement of Palestinians.
- International interventions like sanctions are viewed with skepticism regarding their effectiveness and impact.
- The author argues that removing the current government is the best hope for change, though it won't solve all problems immediately.