(Telegraph-UK) Jake Wallis Simons - You may have read that the situation in Israel is dire. People are talking of the end of democracy. Take a step back, however. These political convulsions are not the end of the world. The two groups of protesters - Netanyahu supporters have also taken to the streets - both fly seas of Israeli flags. They both sing the national anthem. Both are demanding more democracy, not less. And the demonstrations have been non-violent. It could be argued that protests in France have been less peaceful. Yes, there is reason to be concerned about the polarization these events are fostering. But what people are arguing about is the arcane matter of balancing the relationship between the executive, legislature and judiciary. The Israeli government has placed its reforms on hold. So much for dictatorship. And it is entering a period of negotiation. So much for the end of democracy. The most striking thing about all of this is the passion with which Israelis are concerned about their democracy and their country. The writer is editor of the Jewish Chronicle-UK.
2023-03-30 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive