Israeli Society's Political Divide Fueled by Identity, Not Just Disagreement
Dr. Shai Sagi argues that the intense political polarization in Israel stems from political stances becoming deeply intertwined with personal identity, transforming disagreements into perceived threats. This phenomenon, he explains, triggers a physical defensive response, hardening thinking and reducing the ability to process opposing information. Sagi contends that facts alone are rarely sufficient to change political views because individuals often filter information to fit pre-existing narratives and group affiliations.
He introduces the concept of 'anti-identity,' where individuals define themselves more by opposition to others than by their own values. This reliance on an 'other' for self-definition fuels anger and fear, which political leaders can exploit by identifying and amplifying public grievances. Sagi notes that in contemporary Israel, nearly every event, even personal experiences, is quickly politicized and categorized into 'left' or 'right' camps, making people hesitant to express genuine feelings.
To overcome this, Sagi suggests not abandoning opinions or ignoring real disputes, but cultivating a stable yet flexible identity. He likens this to a healthy spine: firm enough to stand, yet flexible enough to move. This means holding firm political beliefs without letting them define one's entire being, and engaging with those who think differently without perceiving them as an existential threat. He advises paying attention to physical cues during arguments, shortened breath, clenched jaws, and questioning whether one is defending a value or a threatened identity.
Ultimately, Sagi believes Israeli society needs a more flexible backbone, one that allows people to stand for their values without making opponents into enemies. The path out of polarization, he concludes, lies in ceasing to build identity based on opposition to others, rather than erasing differences.
