The extreme right Religious Zionism will have unprecedented power in Israel

The raging radio disputes between commentators Ben Caspit and Yinon Magal are an accurate reflection of the "two" Israel.

Thomas Osborne
Thomas Osborne
03 November 2022 Thursday 23:30
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The extreme right Religious Zionism will have unprecedented power in Israel

The raging radio disputes between commentators Ben Caspit and Yinon Magal are an accurate reflection of the "two" Israel. The first, affiliated with the center-left, read the post of an expatriate Israeli, terrified by the arrival in power of "dark and racist forces, representatives of the worst side of Judaism." The second, Bibismo spokesman, invited him to dry his tears: “Smotrich and Ben Gvir (Religious Zionism) will be ministers, accept it once and for all. Life goes on".

The euphoria of the Jewish extreme right, which will accumulate unprecedented power after becoming the third force, contrasts with the duel of the center-left. "This is going to become like in Turkey," lament those who predict an authoritarian drift. Beniamin Netanyahu's allies, unbeatable despite the shadow of corruption that accompanies him, are already reeling off his plans. The highlight: immediately approve "the death penalty for Palestinian terrorists, a measure that will serve to intimidate them."

Itamar Ben Gvir, who triumphed with his principles beyond the radical Jewish settlements in the West Bank, insists that "the time has come to impose order, and show who owns this house." The cowboy who drew his gun and ordered the shooting of Palestinian rioters is set to become the next minister to head the police.

From leading mobs that exclaim "death to the Arabs" or "burn your villages" through the heart of the Muslim quarter of the old city of Jerusalem, to coordinating police devices responsible for restoring calm after storms. Near the Al Aqsa mosque, yesterday three policemen were injured by a Palestinian armed with a knife, who was shot dead. Hours later, the Israeli army carried out a new incursion into the Jenin refugee camp, and two young Palestinians were killed after intense gunfire. In Kiryat Arba (Hebron), a young Jewish woman was admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds to the head. The next large-scale explosion is just around the corner.

Some figures of Religious Zionism do not hide their hatred of the multi-colored flag and want to ban LGBT marches. Likud sources revealed that the ban on reconversion therapy for homosexuals, a measure approved by the previous executive, will be lifted. Gay couples fear the reversal of the last law on the adoption of children, which saved expensive processes abroad to achieve the dream of fatherhood. It is also intended to withdraw health coverage for treatment of transgender people, or prohibit homosexuals from donating blood.

Netanyahu, who secured the support of his allies before the elections, intends to please everyone. He will probably reverse the tax hike on disposable utensils, a plan by the outgoing government to reduce the tons of plastic that flood Israel. It is an express request of the ultra-Orthodox factions, since their voters pull this cutlery to avoid washing the dishes on Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest. Aryeh Deri, leader of the Sephardic Shas party, will be rewarded for his “loyalty” to the finance ministry. It does not matter that he admitted to having committed tax fraud, in a deal with the justice that forced him to leave his seat in the Knesset.

Regarding the legalization of “savage colonies” in the West Bank –illegal even under Israeli law itself-, it will begin by improving their connection to water and electricity networks. Consolidation of "facts on the ground" is the surefire tactic for settlers to expand into the West Bank, including on private Palestinian land.

"Without a revolution in Arab-Jewish relations, the democratic bloc will not raise its head," says Noa Landau, deputy director of Ha'aretz. She believes that without equal cooperation, the Israeli left will continue to founder. The meteoric demographic growth of the religious forces to reconsider their failed strategies.

“There are fundamental identity discrepancies. The Palestinians residing in Israel conceive of the Jewish center-left as privileged, who do not understand their problems and perpetuate Jewish superiority in the country”, he highlights. Regarding the military occupation of the West Bank or the rampant criminality, the Arab youth perceives no difference between a "government of change" or a new mandate of "King Bibi". "Frank concessions and conversations are required [among the left] on painful issues, in order to reach a common denominator," Landau ditches.

In the end, the right won by just over 10,000 votes, but won 20 more deputies. The trashed votes of Meretz (left) and Balad (Arab), which did not enter the Knesset, explain the debacle. Lapid erred in confidence, believing that they would exceed the minimum vote percentage. The centrist wished "Bibi" good luck for "the good of the people of Israel." For the liberals, refugees in the bubbles of Tel Aviv or the kibbutz, a long journey awaits them in the desert.