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EconTalk

The Unusual World of Israeli Democracy (with Rachel Gur)

Mar 3, 2025
Rachel Gur, an expert on Israeli politics and a senior advisor at Reichman University, dives into the complex world of Israeli democracy. She explains the unique aspects of the Knesset and the chaotic coalition politics that shape governance. Gur discusses the influence of ultra-Orthodox parties and challenges of representation, all while highlighting how political minorities can either gain power or be overlooked. The conversation reveals the deep-seated issues that make Israeli democracy distinct yet similar to Western systems, offering a fascinating insight into its future.
01:09:10

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Israel's parliamentary democracy, characterized by party list proportional representation, raises concerns about accountability and the influence of party leaders over MKs.
  • The coalition-building process in Israel is crucial for governance, but often leads to voter disenfranchisement as smaller parties negotiate for key resources.

Deep dives

Structure of Israeli Governance

Israel operates as a parliamentary democracy, which is characterized by a single-house legislature known as the Knesset, composed of 120 members elected through a party list proportional representation system. Voters in Israel do not select individual representatives; instead, they vote for parties, whose candidates are determined by party leaders rather than through primaries. This structure raises concerns about accountability and representation, as members of the Knesset (MKs) are often beholden to party leaders rather than their constituents. The historical decision to maintain 120 MKs, reflecting ancient councils, contrasts sharply with the growing population and modern governance needs.

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