Reconsidering Israel's 'Hegemony' and 'Second Israel' Theories
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
The article analyzes Avishai Ben-Chaim's theory of "Second Israel" versus the ruling "hegemony," which he associates with Ashkenazi elites. The author accepts Ben-Chaim's premise to explore the rigidity of the hegemony's liberal democratic traditions versus the flexibility of "traditionality." It examines how this dynamic plays out in legal cases like Benjamin Netanyahu's and in media, arguing that "Second Israel" rejects professional standards in favor of political loyalty and public opinion, ultimately hindering progress.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avishai Ben-Chaim's theory posits a "Second Israel" (Mizrahi, Likud-aligned) against a ruling "hegemony" (Ashkenazi, liberal elite).
- The "hegemony" is characterized by rigid adherence to Western liberal democratic traditions and clear rules.
- "Traditionality," as defined by Ben-Chaim, is flexible and prioritizes harmony but can reject established rules.
- The author argues Ben-Chaim's "Second Israel" fails to offer alternatives to professional standards in law, media, and government.
- The "sweet promise of the hegemony" lies in its objective knowledge and professionalism, which "traditionality" may hinder.
- Rejecting the hegemony's rules without offering alternatives undermines liberal democratic foundations.
The article explores Avishai Ben-Chaim's theory of "Second Israel" versus "First Israel," where the Likud party represents the former and is seen as the voice of the Mizrahi (Eastern) Jewish population, while the latter is associated with Ashkenazi (Western) elites and leftist views. Ben-Chaim argues that despite the Likud's long tenure in power, true control remains with the "hegemony." The author proposes accepting Ben-Chaim's premise to analyze the situation.
The "hegemony," according to this view, is characterized by rigid adherence to liberal democratic traditions, seen as Ashkenazi and Western, with clear rules and a defined right and wrong. This contrasts with "traditionality," which Ben-Chaim describes as compromising, flexible, and prioritizing harmony. The author critiques Ben-Chaim's one-sided terminology, such as "oppressive hegemony" versus "sweet traditionality," and examines the concept of conservatism as a respect for tradition and its rules, citing T.S. Eliot. The article suggests that Ben-Chaim's "traditionality" is inherently anti-conservative by rejecting established rules.
A tension arises when those identifying with Ben-Chaim's "traditionality" reject the hegemony's rules without offering a viable alternative, sometimes ignoring the benefits of the existing tradition. This is illustrated in the legal proceedings against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where the "hegemony" sees criminal charges, while "traditionality" views it as political persecution. The article questions how guilt is determined if the legal system itself is presumed biased.
Furthermore, the piece points to Channel 14 as an example of media aligned with the Likud, which the author claims systematically violates basic journalistic standards. In politics, the current government's rejection of the hegemony is seen as leading to a lack of alternatives, evidenced by refusals to form state inquiry committees and attempts to subordinate independent bodies. The author concludes that Ben-Chaim's "Second Israel" does not offer a genuine alternative to professional standards in journalism, law, or government work, instead advocating for decisions based on shallow public opinion.
The article acknowledges that the "sweet promise of the hegemony" lies in its knowledge, professionalism, and objective standards, which are not tied to political needs or social sensitivities. However, it argues that "traditionality," as described by Ben-Chaim, can prevent its followers from benefiting from these standards, potentially leading to the rejection of professional norms in favor of political identity. The author suggests that while the hegemony's rules may be difficult to learn, mastering them allows for their eventual improvement, benefiting all of Israel.