Threats to Israel’s Democracy: Vox

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold office for a record fifth term. “The consequences of his victory for both Israelis and Palestinians could very well be catastrophic,” writes Zack Beauchamp for Vox. “The past several years of Netanyahu’s time in office have been characterized by drift in two illiberal, anti-democratic directions.” Israeli voters embrace far-right hard-line stances, with more government controls on NGOs and the media. Netanyahu, investigated for corruption, could make deals with extreme parties in pursuit of legislation providing him immunity. Observers expect the government to continue occupation policies with settlement construction on Palestinian land, along with foot-dragging on any genuine peace plan. A late campaign promise included annexation of the West Bank. Injustice, abandonment of democratic principles and failure to protect minority rights, could become security issues for Israel. – YaleGlobal

Threats to Israel’s Democracy: Vox

Israeli democracy is rotting from the inside, as far-right extremists take steps to limit the media, NGOs and watchdog groups
Zack Beauchamp
Thursday, April 11, 2019

Read the article from Vox about Israel’s election results.

Zack Beauchamp is a senior correspondent at Vox, where he covers global politics and ideology, and a host of Worldly, Vox’s podcast on foreign policy and international relations. His work focuses on the rise of the populist right across the West, the role of identity in American politics, and how fringe ideologies shape the mainstream.

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