Israel is a democracy? Don't make me laugh.

[kevyn]

One of Israel's constant talking points for U.S. support is that it's "the only democracy in the Middle East."

That lie was put to rest this week, when Israel's Central Elections Committee banned the two main Arab parties in the Knesset, Balad and United Arab List-Ta'al, from running in the February elections. Sitting Arab members of the Knesset will now not be allowed to run for re-election, effectively removing Arab representation from Israel's ruling body.

The reason given: the parties don't recognize Israel as a Jewish State, and they call for armed conflict against it.

Sadly, Israel's "commitment" to democracy is about as deep and sincere as America's, given that the Hamas government in Gaza, which Israel is now trying to overthrow with U.S. support, was democratically elected.

I guess in Israel & America's definition of "democracy," it only means "elected people we like."

This does not bode well for the Israeli Arabs, who up until now have had representation in the Knesset.

It also does not bode well for peace in the region.

Comments

[aadroma.livejournal.com]

Just remember, there are many other Arab political parties in Israel, like Hadash, which has three seats in the Knesset, as well as many that have just goten off the ground. While Arab Israelis are a minority, they're becoming more and more visible in the media and find themselves "between two worlds" (not 100% accepted by either those who consider themselves 100% Arab and thus NOT Israeli, and by Israelis themselves).

This movement is "if you're not with us you're against us" fanaticism seen here in the States back when the Iraq debacle started years ago, and this action will almost certainly be blocked the higher courts, as it always is.

[kevynjacobs.livejournal.com]

Turns out, you were right, Roger:

Supreme Court revokes ban on Arab parties, Haaretz

My hat's off to you for calling it correctly.

I agree about the fanaticism paralleling the fanaticism here in the U.S.

Xenophobia at its finest.

What can I do about it? Speak up, for one.