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The Israeli Left: A Political Obituary
- Abstract
After an unimpressive filibuster by members of the centrist Kadima party and the left-wing Labor and Meretz parties on the evening of July 10, Israel’s parliament ratified a law that gives individuals, institutions, and businesses standing to sue those who implement or even advocate anti-Israel boycotts. The Knesset vote was 48 to 38.
In one sense, what happened that night was the best of democracy in action: a much-discussed bill, a public debate, some parliamentary maneuvering, and finally an open vote by the duly elected representatives of a free people. But there was something more momentous and suggestive here. Drafted by the chairman of the governing coalition, Zeev Elkin, and backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the controversial legislation was for many—and not only those on the left—an affront to democratic sensibilities.
About the Author
Mati Wagner is editorial page editor of the Jerusalem Post. His last piece for COMMENTARY was “Israel’s Conversion Crisis” (September 2010).
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