Category: Politically and Diplomatically Speaking
Here I respond to Israeli current events – to what is happening within the country and what is happening internationally regarding Israel. My views are still evolving and my writing will reflect my continuing growth and exploration of the issues. I examine academic writings in the fields of history, sociology and political science, as well as opinion pieces and analyses that appear in the media.
I do not promise to be consistent because my political views are still changing as I learn more. I do promise to be provocative and perhaps a bit irritating to some. Feel free to express your thoughts and your agreements and disagreements with me: I value debate, respectful debate, and anticipate engaging with my readers.
Almost an hour ago, the session in the Supreme Court hearing arguments for and against the Reasonableness Clause, an amendment to Basic Law:Judiciary began. The proceedings are televised and each network station will add...
In an email to subscribers, Friends of Givat Haviva wrote that the recent long-lasting anti-judicial reform protests have brought out “unprecedented levels” of police violence against demonstrators. Haaretz has multiple articles referring to police...
Israel’s elected representatives wasted over 40 hours in a filibuster of proportions previously unknown in this country. The document that concretizes and enshrines this travesty, this cynical manipulation of accepted Knesset protocol, is permanently...
When discussing judicial reform and opposition to it, people on both sides of the issue raise the problem with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and, depending on what one thinks of the man, they deplore...
Firm and forceful security and thriving Jewish communities are essential, yet to effectively eradicate the roots of terrorism, a novel approach is required. An article by Yehudit Katsover and Nadia Matar of The Sovereignty...
Lapid has sort-of answered the call to offer his counterproposals to the coalition’s bills for judicial reform. He calls it: The Lapid Outline, and he posted it on his Facebook page. Let me translate...
After the last Israeli coalition government collapsed, Yair Lapid became caretaker prime minister. Given that a successful incumbent prime minister often has a strong chance of reelection, Lapid likely thought that such moves as...
President Isaac Herzog landed in Belgium mid-morning January 25th on an official visit to the European Union (EU) where he will speak on behalf of the State of Israel before the European Parliament on...