The Daily Protests and the Future of Democracy in Israel
42 snips
Mar 10, 2023 
Patrick Kingsley, the Jerusalem bureau chief for The New York Times, dives into Israel's pressing political turmoil. He highlights the contentious proposals by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition to overhaul the Supreme Court, a move that has polarized society. Kingsley discusses the massive protests erupting in Tel Aviv as citizens voice their fears of eroded democracy and increased violence. He also addresses the historical context of judicial power in Israel and its implications for both Palestinian rights and the country's future.
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Dual Crises in Israel
- Israel is facing two concurrent crises: escalating Israeli-Palestinian violence and a domestic crisis among Jewish Israelis.
- This internal crisis revolves around proposed changes to the Supreme Court, sparking mass protests and deep divisions within Israeli society.
Supreme Court's Rise to Power
- Israel's Supreme Court gained power in the 1990s with the introduction of quasi-constitutional laws protecting basic rights.
- This allowed the court to intervene when future laws infringed upon these rights, marking a significant shift in its role.
Military Service Exemption
- In 2012, the Supreme Court overturned a law granting ultra-Orthodox Jews exemption from mandatory military service.
- This decision angered the ultra-Orthodox community, who felt the court was interfering with their way of life.