Israel's Democratic Future Under Question as Extremism Gains
Over the years, the Israeli political landscape has shifted
to the right, leading to growing concerns among its traditional supporters that
the U.S. government may need to reconsider its unwavering support for Israel.
With the recent rise of ultranationalists in Israel's new government and the
ensuing questions about the country's democratic future, these concerns have
become even more pronounced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to weaken
the Supreme Court has sparked protests nationwide and a constitutional crisis.
Violence in the occupied West Bank, including frequent Israeli raids, attacks
by Jewish settlers, and Palestinian militant assaults, has prompted the CIA
director to warn of a possible third intifada.
The international community is also alarmed by the rise of
far-right figures, including one senior minister who advocated for the
"wiping out" of a Palestinian village. This has led to questions
about whether the Biden administration should change its policy towards Israel,
given the nation's heavy reliance on assistance, military cooperation, and
political support from the U.S.
Former U.S. ambassador to Israel, Daniel Kurtzer, suggested
that the U.S. should back up its concerns with actions, such as curbing
bilateral programs and supporting UN Security Council resolutions criticizing
Israel, which the U.S. has historically blocked. Kurtzer joined other
ambassadors, rabbis, and Jewish organization leaders in signing a letter
opposing a planned U.S. visit by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who
has been referred to as a "proud homophobe" and a
"fascist."
Despite the State Department's condemnation of Smotrich's
comments about erasing the Palestinian village of Hawara, a spokesperson for
Smotrich confirmed that he had been granted a diplomatic visa to enter the U.S.
The Biden administration, however, appears to be boycotting the visit, as no
U.S. government officials plan to meet with Smotrich.