Published: 15 May 2025
Last updated: 15 July 2025
As someone who loves Israel and her people, a committed Zionist - I lie awake at night, worried sick.
Since October 7, we’ve all been painfully aware of the external threats and the trauma affecting Israelis. But I’m also deeply alarmed by the internal threat posed by Israel’s far-right government - a significant threat to the moral fibre and soul of the Jewish state.
This is not politics as usual. It’s not a left-right debate. It’s a struggle between integrity and corruption, democracy and authoritarianism. And as diaspora Jews we must ask: what is our role, our moral responsibility?
The current government, led by Netanyahu and propped up by extremists, is dismantling basic foundations of Israeli democracy - undermining the judiciary, attacking the rule of law, and stripping away checks and balances in a country without a constitution. Netanyahu fired the Minister of Defence and the Head of Shin Bet, and pressured the Chief of Staff to resign not only over October 7, but for daring to challenge him - all while refusing to take any responsibility himself. Although 70% of Israelis demand an official state commission of inquiry into Oct 7, Netanyahu blocks it. Now the government is working to remove the Attorney General.
What if the country we rely on as a refuge becomes one we’re not comfortable to live in?
At the same time, the war in Gaza grinds on - with massive civilian suffering, no clear military endgame, and no diplomatic vision for the future. It’s almost impossible to destroy Hamas if there is no alternative for the people of Gaza. But this government has refused to engage with any plan for how Gaza should be managed after Hamas. Instead, we hear talk of occupation and settlements. Many of Israel’s own security experts warn this would be catastrophic. Do we really want a future where Israel rules over millions more Palestinians?






Comments23
Ian Light23 July at 04:00 am
Change for the Humanitarian Way of a Ceasefire for Release of all Hostages and Resumption of the necessary water food and energy aid for the people of Gaza can begin . .
But it will require the Centre -Left Parties namely the Lapid led Yesh Atid Party the Blue and White National Unity Party of Benjamin Gantz the Yair Golan Democrats Party to commit to a Coalition with the Sane amongst the Centre-Right led if necessary by Netanyahu to form the Ceasefire-No War Security Defence and Deterrence Coalition .
Then the plans to rule Gaza by Arab Forces backed by the moderate Islamic States the USA and the EU can commence rebuilding .
Rachel Sussman21 May at 07:06 am
Thank you for this article
I certainly do not agree with all that is stated but I agree in essence. Like the author I have not slept much in the past 19months as I listen to Israel TV channels (12 and 14) at night to try and get a sense of what is happening in Israel.
I love Israel, I was born there, grew up there, serviced there, and have a vast circle of family and friends there. Israel is in my blood and heart and while the external situation is worrisome, it is the internal that is breaking my heart….the far right element is clearly destructive and Bibi seems to be powerless… Like the writer, I am aware of the Israelis exhaustion (and mine), and I agree, we must for sure stand with Israel but part of standing
with Israel may be to not be afraid to speak up against some actions /inactions this very bad right Government is taking.
Thank you for putting words into my feelings and concerns.
andrew wirth21 May at 04:37 am
Beautifully expressed piece dealing with such painful issues. Noting a previous comment objecting to use of the term extremist… members of the present Israeli government represent a stream of politics that was justly shunned as beyond the pale by the center of Israeli politics in the past.