Israel Losing Its Way Amidst Breakdown of Norms, Author Argues
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Author Tova Herzl argues that Israel is losing its fundamental rules and norms, leading to a state of affairs where nothing is surprising. She points to examples of alleged corruption, lack of security, and professional incompetence in government. Herzl believes the upcoming elections will be a referendum on whether Israel will adhere to rules or disintegrate. She urges voters to prioritize candidates who understand and will uphold these essential norms for the country's survival.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Author Tova Herzl claims Israel is losing its boundaries, rules, and norms, making nothing surprising.
- She cites examples of alleged security clearance issues and government appointments lacking professional qualifications.
- Herzl argues upcoming elections are about whether Israel will operate by rules or disintegrate internally.
- The author warns that a lack of norms threatens Israel's survival, not just its corruption level.
- Voters are urged to choose candidates who understand and will enforce rules and norms.
Author Tova Herzl contends that Israel is experiencing a profound erosion of boundaries, rules, and norms, leading to a state where nothing is surprising anymore. She observes this trend during a tour of the Samaria and Jordan Valley regions, noting that violence, dispossession, and apparent complicity or inaction by security forces have become commonplace. Herzl argues that the upcoming elections are not merely about political divides but about the fundamental question of whether Israel will continue to operate under established rules or disintegrate from within.
She cites several examples to illustrate her point, including close advisors to the Prime Minister reportedly lacking security clearance and continuing to serve Qatar during the war, while opposition leaders struggle to obtain security protection. Herzl also questions the professional qualifications of individuals appointed to key positions, such as the Director General of the Ministry of Transportation and the official responsible for foreign airline flight safety. The author further points to ministers who allegedly boast about their children's draft evasion while being convicted criminals, and a Minister of Education accused of concealing data. The concentration of multiple ministerial portfolios in one person's hands is also highlighted as a symptom of this breakdown.
Herzl dismisses the notion that Israel will simply become another corrupt country in the Middle East, asserting that a complete lack of rules and norms will prevent its survival. She urges voters to consider not just political affiliations or views on territories, but whether candidates understand the necessity of rules and norms and will ensure their enforcement. The author concludes that if the current government remains in power, these issues will only intensify, threatening Israel's very existence.