Exploring the rise of right-wing politics in Israel, the podcast delves into the religious frameworks shaping national identity, resistance to a two-state solution, and the impact of leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu. From the assassination of Yitzak Rabin to the growth of extremist views, the podcast uncovers the evolution of Israel's conservative faction amidst ongoing conflicts with Palestinians.
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Quick takeaways
The rise of the right wing in Israel is characterized by a religious framework defining Israel's borders and aggressive resistance to a two-state solution with Palestinians.
The political trajectory of right-wing figures like Mayor Kahana and Benjamin Netanyahu's strategic alliances with far-right parties have shaped Israeli politics and stirred divisions.
Deep dives
The Oslo Accords and Yitzhak Rabin's Assassination
The Oslo Accords, signed by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, proposed concessions like withdrawing forces from the West Bank and Gaza for peace with Palestinians. The controversial deal faced opposition from right-wing parties like Likud. Rabin's assassination by a radical Israeli during a peace rally highlighted deep divisions and resistance to the peace process.
The Rise of Far-Right Movements in Israel
The political trajectory of Mayor Kahana and his extremist views defined the far-right movement in Israel. His radical ideology influenced followers and led to violent actions. Kahana's assassination did not halt the spread of his ideas, impacting future generations and political dynamics, ultimately contributing to the rise of figures like Itamar Ben-Gavir.
The Political Ascendancy of Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu's political career was influenced by his father's revisionist Zionist background. Elected Prime Minister, Netanyahu upheld conservative stances, opposing a Palestinian state, and exploring alliances with far-right parties. Netanyahu's strategies evolved to secure power, engaging right-wing voters with nationalist rhetoric and forming coalitions despite legal challenges.
Fragmentation and Protests in Contemporary Politics
Recent political developments in Israel, like Netanyahu's attempt to limit judicial oversight, led to widespread protests. Divisions marked by left-right ideologies intensified, with concerns over democracy and values. While protesters voiced dissent, Palestinian perspectives were absent, reflecting ongoing tensions and complexities within Israeli society.
For most of its early history, Israel was dominated by left-leaning, secular politicians. But today, the right is in power. Its politicians represent a movement that uses a religious framework to define Israel and its borders, and that has aggressively resisted a two-state solution with Palestinians. And its government – led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — is waging a war in Gaza which, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, has killed over 30,000 people, many of them children. The government launched the war in response to the October 7th, 2023 Hamas-led attack that, according to Israeli authorities, killed over 1,200 Israelis with an additional 250 being taken hostage.This is not the first time that tension has erupted into violence. But the dominance of right-wing thinkers in Israeli politics is pivotal to how the war has unfolded. On today's episode: the story of Israel's rightward shift.
Correction: In a previous version of this episode, we said incorrectly that Benjamin Netanyahu was born in 1948. He was born in 1949.
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