Israel's democracy

Submitted by Lisette Murad (United States), Apr 13, 2005 at 08:28

Dear Sir:

The events in Israel that have been unfolding for many years, have prompted some Israelis and others to conclude that Israel is not really a democracy, but rather a "self-perpetuating oligarchy." Moshe Feiglin described the political system in Israel best. He compared it to a roll of a dice, whereby the only number that can appear, no matter how the dice is thrown is one. In other words, whatever party is elected, whether the Israeli Left or Right, their goals and actions are more or less the same. The Israeli electorate resoundingly rejected the Mitzna plan and elected Sharon, a supposed Likud, who later embraced the same plan with obsession. All parties in Israel, whether Labor, Likud, Shinui etc...all tragically follow in the same direction. There are really no alternatives for the Israeli public. Prime Minister Shamir, began the Oslo process, Rabin continued it and gave up strategic land for empty promises. So did Netanyahu in giving up Hebron, so does Sharon in surrendering Gaza. This is a pattern that can hardly be ignored.

Moshe Feiglin, continues to say, that when some individuals begin to question the dice and claim that it is in fact rigged, they are charged with incitement and silenced. As an example, those in different arenas, who have taken an anti-disengagement stance, have either been fired, threatened, arrested etc... and thus marginalized. Military chief Yaalon's extension was refused, an unprecedented act, for pointing the dangers to Israel's security after disengagement.

The comment that Sharon "failed his American ally by delivering a major victory to the forces of terrorism" although absolutely true is rather more complex. The Bush administration has praised Sharon's withdrawl from Gaza and continues to pressure Israel in relinquishing other rights to territories in order to establish a so called "viable" Palestinian state. As such, America has itself contributed in granting victory to terrorists and negated its own advances on the war on terror.

Sincerely,

Lisette Murad

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