Liberman Cites Herzl on Keeping Religion Out of Israeli Governance

Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has invoked the words of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, to argue against theocracy in Israel. Liberman reminded Israelis that the state's founders envisioned a secular government, distinct from religious authority.

In his 1896 book, "The Jewish State," Herzl explicitly addressed the possibility of a theocracy, stating, "Will we have a theocracy in the end? No! Faith unites us, science makes us free." He emphasized that while religion should be respected, the clergy should not govern the state, comparing their role to that of the army, which should remain in barracks, not in government offices.

Liberman stressed the contemporary relevance of Herzl's principle, asserting that Israel must remain a Jewish state that honors tradition and faith, but where religious institutions do not dictate citizens' lives. Herzl's book, published over 50 years before Israel's establishment, outlined his vision for the nation's foundational principles.

This statement from Liberman follows a recent public dispute between him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly stemming from Liberman's proposal to transfer control of Areas A and B to Jordan.