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Netanyahu's authoritarian traits are dangerous for Israel's democracy

The Israelis have set their cross.

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Netanyahu's authoritarian traits are dangerous for Israel's democracy

The Israelis have set their cross. Now they have to wear it. It is not yet clear which alliance the parliamentary elections will bring to the country. But one thing is clear: Israel's former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Likud party have won.

Which parties Netanyahu will form an alliance with has not yet been decided either. Quite a few experts fear that he will enter into a coalition with the ultra-orthodox radicals. It could happen - or not. In any government, however, Netanyahu will be at the head.

With him in the post of prime minister, one need worry less about Israel's foreign policy course - perhaps the hawk is even the more appropriate prime minister in the fight against the Iranian threat. But one must fear for the future state of democracy and the rule of law in Israel.

Netanyahu, who has to defend himself against allegations of corruption in court, has repeatedly tried to weaken the judiciary. He and his fellow party members have repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of the Attorney General and the highest judges. To save his own skin, Netanyahu likes to warn of a left-wing conspiracy that has not spared the rule of law to eliminate it, the real fighter for Israel's security.

Over the years, Netanyahu has assumed authoritarian traits reminiscent of Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The nature of Netanyahu's administration until 2021 has not been good for Israeli democracy and its parliamentary system. More and more, the compromise is seen as an expression of weakness, the political opponent becomes more and more the enemy - and the gaining of power as an end in itself.

Nevertheless, one can hope for Israel's elemental power - namely its citizens. The Israeli writer Amos Oz put it succinctly: “We are a people of teachers. We love to teach, to explain, to argue, to point out new aspects, to claim the opposite or at least to interpret everything differently.”

This culture of negotiation – of arguing, weighing up, even knowing better – is an effective antidote to any form of authoritarianism.

"Kick-off Politics" is WELT's daily news podcast. The most important topic analyzed by WELT editors and the dates of the day. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, among others, or directly via RSS feed.

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