Israeli Conservatism Faces Identity Crisis Amidst American Culture Wars
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
The Israeli conservative movement is facing an identity crisis, partly due to the influence of controversial American figures and the importation of US culture wars. Philosopher Yoram Hazony, a key figure in national conservatism, is grappling with the movement's direction as some embrace divisive rhetoric. The article warns against uncritically adopting American conservative debates, stressing the need for Israeli conservatism to maintain its unique character and avoid importing internal conflicts.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israeli conservatism is experiencing an identity crisis, influenced by American political discourse.
- Philosopher Yoram Hazony is a central figure in the national conservative movement.
- Concerns have been raised about antisemitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories within parts of the movement.
- The movement is warned against importing American culture wars and divisive tactics.
- True conservatism requires humility and skepticism towards concentrated power, regardless of political affiliation.
The burgeoning Israeli conservative movement, which found intellectual footing in thinkers like Edmund Burke and Friedrich Hayek, is experiencing a deep identity crisis. While intellectual infrastructure like journals and research centers has grown, the movement is grappling with internal divisions and the influence of controversial figures.
At the heart of the discussion is Israeli-American philosopher Yoram Hazony, a prominent voice in national conservatism. Hazony, who founded the Herzl Institute and whose book "The Virtue of Nationalism" gained international recognition, has built a global network of conservative thinkers and institutions through the NatCon conferences. These conferences, which have convened in major cities worldwide, recently held their first event in Jerusalem, attracting prominent figures from the US and Europe.
However, Hazony and the movement he champions are now confronting the darker aspects of nationalism. What began as a defense of particular identities against globalism and "woke" culture has, in some circles, devolved into suspicion of elites, conspiracy theories, and even antisemitism. Hazony himself has publicly condemned the podcast of American commentator Tucker Carlson for promoting "insidious antisemitic messages" and conspiracy theories, noting Carlson's significant support among young Republicans.
The crisis intensified when Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, defended Carlson after he hosted neo-Nazi activist Nick Fuentes. This led to internal dissent and resignations from the organization. Roberts' subsequent appearance at the Jerusalem conference, where he spoke of a "conservative coalition to save the West," highlighted the movement's complex position.
The article argues that while Israel has historically faced threats from the left, it must now also identify internal challenges within its own right-wing movement. It cautions against importing American culture wars wholesale, emphasizing that the Israeli left is largely Zionist and patriotic, unlike its progressive American counterpart. The author stresses that true conservatism requires humility and skepticism towards concentrated power, regardless of which political camp holds it, and warns that adopting the American playbook risks creating unnecessary division and hatred in Israel.
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