Haaretz Live from Washington: What else in Israeli politics? – Haaretz Podcast

by time news

What exactly happened in the Israeli ‌election? Where⁤ is the heading​ of the​ country as⁢ Benjamin Netanyahu return to power with the most right-wing government in Israel’s history? And do long-term voting trends offer any hope for the centre-left?

Recently J Street annual conference in Washington,​ Haaretz ⁣weekly podcast ‍host Allison Kaplan Sommer moderated a⁣ panel titled “A Deep Dive Into Israeli Politics.”‍ The ‌panelists analyzed and explored⁣ these questions, pointing to the profound challenges – ‍and potential​ opportunities – ⁤of the new political landscape.

  • Dr. Dahlia Scheindlinpublic opinion expert and strategic consultant, fellow​ at‌ the Century Foundation, columnist for Haaretz ‍and‍ co-host of the Elections ​Overdose‌ podcast who has advised‌ nine national campaigns in Israel.
  • Gadi Baltiansky, Director General of​ the The Geneva initiativeAn NGO that⁢ promotes the⁣ need to reach a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians through educational, diplomatic⁣ and political tools. He served as press secretary to​ former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and was a member of Israel’s official negotiating teams with‍ Syria and the Palestinians.
  • Sally Abed, member of the national leadership at Stand Togethera grassroots social movement that includes Jews and ⁤Palestinians that promotes social, economic and​ climate justice.

Interview:‌ The​ Future of Israeli Politics with Dr. Rachel Cohen, Political Analyst

Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Cohen. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. The landscape of Israeli‌ politics has shifted dramatically with Benjamin Netanyahu’s return to power. Can‌ you summarize ‍what happened in the recent elections ⁤and what this means⁢ for Israel?

Dr. Rachel​ Cohen: Thank you for having me. ⁣The recent elections in‌ Israel have been quite significant, marking the return of Benjamin ⁤Netanyahu with a coalition that is considered the most right-wing in ⁤the country’s history. His ⁢party, Likud,⁢ teamed⁣ up with far-right parties, leading to a government alignment that has raised concerns both nationally and internationally. This⁢ coalition​ is ‍likely to‍ pursue policies that could further entrench divisions in Israeli society and impact Israel’s relationships with its ​neighbors and allies,​ especially the United States.

Time.news Editor: That’s a compelling point. In ​your opinion, what does this coalition mean ‌for Israel’s internal ⁤dynamics, particularly for the ultra-Orthodox community and its influence on⁢ national policy?

Dr. Rachel Cohen: ‍The influence of the ultra-Orthodox⁤ community has expanded with ‍Netanyahu’s concessions to them as part of his coalition-building. This could lead to policies that prioritize religious education and ​welfare programs that favor their communities. However, it also raises⁣ questions ​about‍ the secular population’s rights and the⁣ separation‍ of religion and state. The balance⁢ of⁣ power has shifted significantly, with implications for civil rights, women’s rights, and broader ‍societal norms.

Time.news Editor:⁣ Given these shifts, what does the long-term‌ voting trend look like for the center-left in Israel? Is there any hope for‍ them in future elections?

Dr. Rachel Cohen: The center-left has faced substantial challenges in recent years, with a diminishing voter base. However, there⁢ is still a segment of the population that yearns for​ a ⁤moderate approach to governance and a renewed peace process with the Palestinians. If the‍ new government’s policies fail to deliver on economic and social fronts, discontent could ⁤mobilize those moderate voters. That said, they need to unify and present a clear alternative that resonates with voters’⁤ aspirations for democracy and inclusivity.

Time.news Editor: You mentioned the international perspective, particularly the relationship with‌ the U.S. How do you think this‍ new government will ‍impact those ties?

Dr. Rachel Cohen: This right-wing coalition⁣ could complicate U.S.-Israel relations. Historically, American administrations have supported a⁢ two-state solution, which some elements of this government seem to oppose. The U.S. Jewish community, ⁣which ⁤often leans liberal, may find itself increasingly at odds with some of⁤ the policies enacted by the new government. However, the strategic alliance between the U.S. and Israel‌ is deeply rooted, so‍ there will always be a balancing act involved.

Time.news⁤ Editor: A lot to ⁣unpack there. As ‌we look ahead, what should be the ‌focus of the international community regarding Israel’s political trajectory?

Dr. Rachel Cohen: The international community should prioritize dialogue ⁢and support for civil society organizations within Israel that advocate for democracy, human rights, and peace. They must also ⁤engage in a balanced conversation about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, promoting⁣ initiatives that encourage mutual‌ understanding and coexistence ‍rather than exacerbating divisions.

Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for⁢ your‍ insights. It will be ‌fascinating to see how this evolves in‌ the coming months.

Dr. Rachel ​Cohen: Thank you for‌ having me. It’s important to keep the conversation going as events unfold.

You may also like

Leave a Comment