Is Israeli Society Descending into Madness? - with Ari Shavit

38 snips

Apr 24, 2025

Ari Shavit, an insightful journalist and author known for his analysis of Israeli society, delves into the current tumult within Israel. He discusses serious allegations against Prime Minister Netanyahu related to the manipulation of the Shin Bet, exploring the implications for democracy. Shavit highlights the urgent need for unity amidst a constitutional crisis and the divisions that demographic shifts are causing. He underscores the importance of collaboration between Israel and the Jewish diaspora to confront rising anti-Semitism and rebuild community ties.

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INSIGHT

Netanyahu-Barr Conflict Symbolizes Crisis

The Netanyahu-Barr conflict highlights a deep political and constitutional crisis in Israel.
Both sides view each other as existential threats, reflecting profound societal divisions.

INSIGHT

Israel's Deep Societal Clash

Israeli society faces a fundamental clash between liberal democracy and nationalist populism.
This division reflects decades of power imbalance and deep societal tensions.

INSIGHT

Lack of Constitution Heightens Crisis

Israel lacks a constitution or strong tradition, escalating political conflicts when rules are broken.
Netanyahu's recent authoritarian tendencies heighten fears of democracy being endangered.

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Streaming Notice:

THE CHILDREN OF OCTOBER 7 — a new documentary film — reminds us all that Jewish children were slaughtered or taken hostage or made to watch the slaughtering of their parents in a systematic way not only in 1943, but in 2023. There’s a reason why antisemitism is called “the oldest hatred.” It’s also the most persistent. This is a difficult film to watch, but we are thankful to Montana Tucker and Eytan Schwartz for making it, and to Shari Redstone for finding it a home. That home is Paramount Plus. To watch the film, go to: https://www.paramountplus.com/movies/video/C3COr43yl99oKdjeWNsuo2Ma2OP4zvGv/

To watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/LMC0Vef3V98?

Upcoming Event Notice: Dan Senor will be delivering this year’s State of World Jewry Address at the 92nd Street Y (92NY) on Tuesday May 13 at 7:30 pm. To register: https://www.92ny.org/event/the-state-of-world-jewry-address

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Today’s Conversation: On Tuesday, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar submitted a newsmaking affidavit to Israel’s Supreme Court, claiming he was dismissed by Prime Minister Netanyahu for refusing to carry out politically motivated orders. Bar also provided a 31-page affidavit to the court which is classified. Prime Minister Netanyhau has responded in the press to Bar’s charges and has until Thursday to submit his own affidavit to the high court.

In this episode, we discuss a number of the charges, explanations, and counter-charges. But the stakes here go well beyond politics. To understand the forces shaping this highly divisive debate, we are joined by journalist and author Ari Shavit, whose work has long examined the fault lines of Israeli society—most recently in his book, The Third Temple.

CREDITS:

ILAN BENATAR - Producer & Editor

MARTIN HUERGO - Sound Editor

YARDENA SCHWARTZ - Executive Editor, Ark Media

GABE SILVERSTEIN - Research

YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer