[CornFed]

Here's an article about these topics that I read recently and found interesting: http://www.vox.com/2015/4/13/8390387/israel-dark-future

I am struck in this article by the monolithic focus on Israel as the sole determinant of the outcome of the forces in play.  I believe the author correctly identifies the erosion to its democratic ideals as Israel continues the occupation of areas that were previously Palestinian.  Nonetheless, I have heard no defenses of that occupation that were not persuasively grounded in existential priorities.  Despite that existential concern, Israel has twice made offers of compromise that were stunning in their reach.  Those offers were unceremoniously rejected.  Israel has effectively ceded territory that, as I think Yvonne pointed out previously, was then used to launch missiles into Israel's populated areas.

So I think the temptation to describe right-wing elements in Israel as trying to squelch democracy vastly oversimplifies the motivations of those who promote caution and even cynicism in considering the advice and urgings of the world outside their country.  It is not an issue related exclusively to whether or not one is in favor of democratic principles.  It also entails the very real and demonstrated threats from nations who seek their destruction.

[CornFed]

Here's an article about these topics that I read recently and found interesting: http://www.vox.com/2015/4/13/8390387/israel-dark-future

I am struck in this article by the monolithic focus on Israel as the sole determinant of the outcome of the forces in play.  I believe the author correctly identifies the erosion to its democratic ideals as Israel continues the occupation of areas that were previously Palestinian.  Nonetheless, I have heard no defenses of that occupation that were not persuasively grounded in existential priorities.  Despite that existential concern, Israel has twice made offers of compromise that were stunning in their reach.  Those offers were unceremoniously rejected.  Israel has effectively ceded territory that, as I think Yvonne pointed out previously, was then used to launch missiles into Israel's populated areas.

So I think the temptation to describe right-wing elements in Israel as trying to squelch democracy vastly oversimplifies the motivations of those who promote caution and even cynicism in considering the advice and urgings of the world outside their country.  It is not an issue related exclusively to whether or not one is in favor of democratic principles.  It also entails the very real and demonstrated threats from nations who seek their destruction.