Fascist Rule In Israel

[Palash]

Fascist Rule In Israel
By Stephen Lendman
20 February, 2009
Countercurrents.org
On February 10, Israel held parliamentary elections for 120 seats in
its 18th Knesset. The process repeats every four years unless the body
calls an earlier election by majority vote. The prime minister may
also ask the president to request one early that will proceed unless
the Knesset blocks it. Parliamentary terms may be extended beyond four
years by special majority vote. Israel has no constitution. Under
Article 4 of its Basic Law: The Knesset:
"The Knesset shall be elected by general, national, direct, equal,
secret and proportional elections, in accordance with the Knesset
Elections Law." Every Israeli citizen 18 or older may vote, including
Arabs who are nominally enfranchised, may serve in the parliament, but
can't govern or in any way influence policy.
Knesset seats are assigned proportionally to each party's percentage
of the total vote. A minimum total is required to win any seats.
Jewish parties alone are empowered. Arab parliamentarians have no
decision-making authority. They're also constrained by the 1992 Law of
Political Parties and section 7A(1) of the Basic Law that prohibits
candidates from denying "the existence of the State of Israel as the
state of the Jewish people."
Under the law for Arabs and Jews, no candidate may challenge Israel's
fundamental Jewish character or demand equal rights, privileges, and
justice. The essential Zionist identity is inviolable. The law works
only for Jews. Israeli Arabs have no rights. They're denied equal
treatment and justice, even those elected to public office. Israel
calls this democracy. South Africa called it apartheid. Nazi Germany
called it fascism.
On January 12, the Central Elections Committee (CEC) banned two Arab
parties from participating in the February elections on grounds of
incitement, racism, supporting terrorist groups, and refusing to
recognize Israel's right to exist. Two extremist right wing parties
requested it - Yisrael Beiteinu and National Union. Named were United
Arab List-Ta'al and Balad. All charges were bogus and hateful.
On January 21, Israel's High Court unanimously reversed the ban after
Arab politicians appealed, but this behavior shows what Arab citizens
face in a country affording rights only to Jews. Nonetheless, election
law states that all votes are of equal weight, without saying
only Jewish ones matter, not those of Arabs or members of other
faiths. Israel is a Jewish state. Others are outsiders, unwelcome,
unwanted, disadvantaged, without rights, and criminally abused at the
whim of the government.
Israeli Election Results
Given the number of Israeli parties, coalitions are needed to govern
as no single party ever won enough Knesset seats to do it on its own.
Below are the results of the February 10 elections:
Kadima:
-- 28 seats, one less than previously. Founded by Ariel Sharon and 13
other Likud members in November 2005, Kadima (meaning "forward" or "in-
front"), calls itself "a broad popular movement which works to ensure
the future of Israel as a Jewish democratic state." It's now Israel's
largest political party. Its ideology is center-right and very
militant.
Likud:
-- 27 seats compared to 12 in the previous Knesset. It was founded in
1973 as a right wing union of the revisionist Herut party with the
Gahal and center Zionist parties. Its former prime ministers include
Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Shamir, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ariel Sharon.
Netanyahu again leads it. Its ideology is hard right and like Kadima
is very militant.
Yisrael Beiteinu (or Israel is Our Home):
-- 15 seats, four more than the previous Knesset. It was founded in
1999 by Avigdor Lieberman, an ultranationalist and revisionist
Zionist. In its January/February 2007 issue, the Washington Report on
Middle East Affairs said his rise "makes (the) US - Israel alliance
more dangerous," given his extremist views.
On Israeli Radio in November 2006, he called for the assassination of
"militant" Palestinian leaders (meaning from Hamas and other
resistance groups) and added: "They have to disappear, to go to
Paradise, all of them and there can't be any compromise." He also
wants all peace agreements (like Camp David and Oslo) abandoned,
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas ignored, and earlier urged that
Israeli Arabs be deported and Arab Knesset members who met with
Hezbollah or Hamas executed.
Haaretz called him an "unrestrained and irresponsible man....a threat
(to Israel for) his lack of restraint and his unbridled tongue (that
may) bring disaster (to) the whole region." Confrontation with Iran is
one of his top priorities as well as continued illegal settlement
expansions. Lieberman is hard-line and uncompromising. His party
surpassed Labor to rank third in popularity.
Labor:
--13 seats compared to 19 in the previous Knesset. Founded in 1968 by
the union of the Mapai, Ahdut HaAvoda, and Rafi parties. Its ideology
is Zionist, neoliberal, and militant like the above three parties.
Former prime ministers include David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, Shimon
Peres, Yitzhak Rabin, and Ehud Barak. Barak is its current leader.
Shas :
-- 11 seats, one less than the previous Knesset. Founded in 1984 by
rabbis Ovadia Yosef and Elazar Shach, it's an extremist right wing
religious party led by Eli Yishai, Israel's deputy prime minister in
its 17th Knesset.
The National Union Party:
-- 4 seats. Founded in 1999 by Rehavam Ze'evi and Avigdor Lieberman.
Now led by Ya'akov Katz, it's extremely militant, supports settlements
in all the Land of Israel (as biblically defined), and advocates
expulsion of Palestinians from the West Bank, preferably on a
voluntary basis.
Jewish Home Party:
-- 3 seats. It was founded in 2008 by a merger of the National
Religious Party, Moledet, and Tkuma. Modelet then broke away, and half
of Tkuma rejoined National Union. Now led by Daniel Hershkovitz, it's
a moderate right wing, pro-settler, religious Zionist party.
Hadash-Democratic Front for Peace and Equality:
-- 4 seats, a gain of one. Founded in 1977, it's a Jewish-Arab party
led by Mohammad Barakeh. Its ideology counters the above right wing
bloc with little public support. It's anti-Zionist, favors dismantling
Israeli settlements, ending the occupation, and backs the right of
return, full equality for Israeli Arabs, and a comprehensive stable
peace.
New Movement Meretz:
-- 3 seats compared to 5 in the previous Knesset. Founded in 1992,
it's a labor Zionist, social democratic party led by Haim Oron.
United Torah Judaism:
-- 5 seats, one less than previously. Founded in 1992, its ideology is
strict adherence to the laws of the Torah. Its current leader is
Yaakov Litzman.
Balad:
-- 3 seats compared to none in the previous Knesset. Founded in 1995,
its ideology is Arab nationalism and democratic socialism. Its current
leader is Jamal Zahalka.
United Arab List-Ta'al:
-- 4 seats, up from none in the previous Knesset. Founded in 1996, it
represents Israeli Arabs under its current leader Ibrahim Sarsur.
Israel has about 20 other minor parties. None got enough votes to win
seats. The big loser was Gil. It had seven previously. Now it has
none. Led by Rafi Eitan, it's ideology is social welfare and pro-elder
care.
Israel Shifts to the Right
On January 15, a Haaretz-Dialog poll showed widespread support for the
Gaza war with less than 10% of Israelis calling it a "failure."
Despite mass slaughter, destruction, and human suffering, 82% of
respondents believed the IDF hadn't "gone too far."
It played out strongly in the February elections with center to far
right parties winning decisively - 104 of the 120 seats or 86.6% of
the Knesset. In spite of mass global condemnation, Israelis stood firm
on hard-line militarism, candidates favoring conflict over
conciliation, and continued occupation of Palestine in lieu of peace.
Negotiations continue for a new government, but policy is clear
whoever becomes prime minister. Under Tzipi Livni or Benjamin
Netanyahu, Gaza's siege will continue. So will West Bank oppression,
conflict over peace, leaders affirming it in rhetoric and policy, and
international community support will back them. Grim times persist for
Palestinians, isolated and on their own after decades of occupation
and abuse.
On February 11, Juan Cole's web site headlined: "Right Wing Sweeps
Israel" in an election that "sounded the death knell for the two-state
solution." One never existed, of course, because separation
accelerates land annexation, and equity demands one democratic state
for members of all faiths equally.
After the February 10 elections, that possibility is more remote than
ever with figures like Avigdor Lieberman emerging as "kingmaker." He
rose in prominence on a racist platform against 20% of the population
and now wants them "executed," expelled, or at least forced to sign
loyalty oaths.
Under a hard-line Netanyahu or Livni government, Cole sees one of
three possibilities:
-- a hardened apartheid giving Palestinians fewer rights than ever and
no control over their land, borders, water and air; Palestinians won't
accept it, so conflict ahead is assured;
-- a violent expulsion policy affecting all Palestinians, including
Israeli Arabs to purify Greater Israel for Jews; Cole believes that
"This option would almost certainly end the peace treaties with Egypt
and Jordan" because a population outflow this great would create
tensions in both countries and they'd react; they and other Arab
states might also ally with Iran and create a new problem for America
and Israel.
-- a single-state solution; impossible now but over time economic,
technological, and political boycotts may force one.
As for Obama reviving the peace process and a viable two-state
solution, both prospects aren't possible given Israel's shift to the
right and the Israeli Lobby's influence against it.
In a February 10 Nation magazine article, Neve Gordon disagrees.
Headlined: "Few Peacemakers in Israel's Knesset," he believes it's for
"the world, and particularly the Obama administration, to respond,"
unmindful of his one-sided Israeli support and reluctance to counter
its policy.
Nonetheless, Gordon hopes that Obama "will make good on his promise
for change and introduce a courageous initiative that will finally
bring peace to Israelis and Palestinians" under a two-state solution
"to resolve this bloody conflict once and for all."
"With determination and political boldness he can do just that."
Perhaps so but he won't. Obama is timid, not bold. He "crossed the
River Jordan," according to James Petras. His administration is filled
with Zionist zealots professing unconditional support for Israel. With
that team in place, Israeli interests matter. Palestinian ones don't.
Change awaits a new day in Israel and Washington, and given Tel Aviv's
likely government, it's more in the future than ever.
Prospects are grim with Israeli Arab Knesset member (MK) Ahmed Tibi
calling Livni "90% Lieberman and 10% Netanyahu." For his part,
Netanyahu is 100% hard-line, and won't give an inch on compromise. As
head of state, he promises to destroy Hamas. As 1996 - 1999 prime
minister, his agenda was three "nos:"
-- no Golan Heights withdrawal;
-- no discussion, division, or relinquishing of Jerusalem, and
-- no precondition negotiations with Arafat, meaning Palestinian
relations depend on full compliance with Israel demands.
Today he's more hard-line than ever, vows as prime minister to "thwart
the Iranian threat," and sabotage Tehran's nuclear program once and
for all by any means necessary. He also opposes the peace process,
wants expanded illegal West Bank settlements, and, like Lieberman,
called for "mass deportations of Arabs from the Territories."
For her part, Livni is no less hard-line in vowing to overthrow Hamas
if elected and finish subduing Gaza. As kingmaker, Lieberman won't
join any government that will "agree directly or indirectly to Hamas
staying in power." He opposed last month's ceasefire that "prevented
the IDF from finishing the job" and stops just short of demanding
renewal.
As a result, AP reported on February 11 that Arabs see little chance
for peace under any new government and fear the emergence of Israel's
far right. It cited Middle East newspapers decrying Lieberman's rise,
denouncing him as racist with Syria's Al-Thawra saying: "The Israelis
are electing war and extremism....so long as the Israel street is
extremist and racist, the government would be like it."
In Iran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi called it
"regretful" that all sides were hard-line in their campaigns. "Each
party tried to show a more brutal, aggressive and pro-occupation
face...." He added that Iran has no official position on the election
as it doesn't recognize any Israeli government.
Oraib al-Rentawi, head of the Al Quds Center for Political Studies,
said a Livni government may market an illusory peace process, but
under Netanyahu, "the mission will be far more difficult." Others
think it impossible no matter who's prime minister given that 61 years
of oppression prevented any from emerging thus far. With Israel's far
right shift, it's less likely now than ever.
Forming A New Government
Under Israel's Basic Law, the president (a symbolic, ceremonial post),
lets one Knesset member form a new government and head it as prime
minister.
The law reads as follows:
"When a new government has to be constituted, the President of the
State shall, after consultation with representatives of party groups
in the Knesset, assign the task of forming a Government to a Knesset
Member (MK) who notified him that he is prepared to accept the task."
Time constraints are imposed - a maximum 28 days but the President may
extend it for an additional 14. If a government can't be formed or if
the Knesset rejects the one proposed, "the President may assign the
task....to another Knesset Member who has notified him that he is
prepared to accept the task...." No mention of a "she."
"When the Knesset Member has formed a Government, he shall notify the
President of the State and Speaker of the Knesset" within a designated
period. The MK who "formed a Government shall head it."
On February 16, Haaretz reported that Netanyahu "said earlier that he
would begin forging a coalition with his party's 'natural partners' as
soon as possible" even though Kadima bettered Likud by one seat.
Livni said she'd only join a Netanyahu coalition on a rotating prime
ministerial basis. Jockeying for position continues amid conciliatory
and hostile rhetoric with one Likud MK (Silvan Shalom) accusing Livni
of "shtick, tricks, (and) scheming (that could) sabotage the standard
political process." He added that election results affirmed Netanyahu
as the rightful prime minister so allow him to "form a government as
soon as possible."
Prime minister Olmert mentioned post-election uncertainty and
suggested that Livni join a Likud coalition "with Kadima as a central
factor." At the same time, Olmert advised Livni to head the opposition
to ensure a clear victory next time.
On February 17, Labor's Housing and Construction Minister, Isaac
Herzog, told Haaretz that neither Livni or Netanyahu can form a new
government that will hold. "At this rate, (he suggested) we will find
ourselves in the midst of new elections within a few months" because
Livni agreed to ally with Yisrael Beitenu.
Labor whip, Eitan Cabel was even more strident saying: "The scam that
is Kadima has now been exposed before all. If the leftist voters who
gave their ballot to Livni would have known (they'd be) in bed with
Lieberman, they would have demanded their votes back."
President Peres spoke about the complicated task he faces:
"On Wednesday (February 11) at 6PM, I will get the official results,"
and will then try to form a unity government. "The nation told me to
consider the election results honestly and as the law prescribes, so I
will make my decision after I hear out all the parties."
On February 15, the Jerusalem Post reported new developments in a
story headlined: "Police have evidence of money laundering against
Lieberman." Quoting former National Fraud Unit's Boaz Guttman, writer
Yaakov Lappin said "Police amassed sufficient evidence to
link....Lieberman" with these charges. It's believed that he used
Cypriot bank accounts under his daughter's name - for money laundering
and possible fraud and bribes. "The police source said there was no
doubt about money laundering," but that prosecution could be a long
way off given complex hurdles to be overcome before charges lead to a
trial.
Guttman added that fallout affecting Lieberman could be considerable
since he's now damaged goods. Forming a new government is more
complicated and important positions for Lieberman are off-limits -
including finance and public security.
On the same day, Tehran's Press TV reported that "An Israeli defense
strategy report for 2009 has tasked the military with making
preliminary preparations for launching a war against Iran." It calls
the country "the No. 1 threat the IDF is now preparing for," and cites
Tehran as "a threat to Israel's existence" without any evidence to
prove it. There is none because Iran threatens no other country but is
prepared to defend itself if targeted.
Nonetheless, "Israeli officials argue that a military attack is a
legitimate option for taking out Iran's nuclear infrastructure" even
though the IAEA says it complies with NPT provisions. Israel is a
nuclear outlaw non-signatory.
Earlier, Tel Aviv asked the Bush administration for bunker-buster
bombs, green light permission to attack, and overflight and refueling
rights over Iraq. It was rebuffed in favor of covert sabotage
efforts.
For its part, Iran is seeking sophisticated Russian S-300 long-range
surface-to-air missiles. They can intercept aircraft, cruise and
ballistic missiles so pose a formidable defense against attack.
Lexington Institute vice-president and Pentagon advisor Dan Goure said
"If Tehran obtained the S-300, it would be a game-changer in military
thinking for (targeting) Iran." It might also prevent a Middle East
holocaust if Washington and/or Israel seriously consider one,
something even the Bush administration didn't pursue.
On February 16, the UK Telegraph headlined: "Israel launches covert
war against Iran" with writer Philip Sherwell calling it "an
alternative to direct military strikes against Tehran's nuclear
programme, US intelligence sources have revealed."
It includes planned assassinations of "top figures involved in Iran's
atomic operations" as well as "sabotage, front companies and double
agents to disrupt the regime's 'illicit' weapons project, the experts
say."
According to a former (unnamed) CIA officer, the idea is to slow
progress without Iran knowing what's happening. "The goal is delay,
delay, delay until you can come up with some other solution" because
the Obama administration may prefer non-military efforts for now.
Rumors are that Mossad was behind the mysterious 2007 "gas poisoning"
death of Ardeshire Hassanpour, Iran's top nuclear scientist at its
Isfahan uranium plant. Other suspicious deaths were also reported, and
according to an unnamed European intelligence official, "Israel
(doesn't hesitate) assassinating weapons scientists" or anyone else
for that matter.
Israeli security and intelligence journalist, Yossi Melman, said that
"Without military strikes, there is still considerable scope for
disrupting and damaging the Iranian program, and this has been done
with some success." Tehran is alerted to the threat and has measures
in place to counteract it.
Observers are following the rhetoric and watching as events unfold. In
the meantime, jockeying and deal-making continue as Netanyahu and
Livni try outmaneuvering each other to form a new government. Whoever
wins, Palestinians, Israelis, and most others will be losers.
On February 19, AP reported that Lieberman endorsed Netanyahu, "all
but guaranteeing that (he'll) be the country's next leader." Haaretz
went further saying that "65 MKs announced (for) Netanyahu (so) it
appears that his path to the premiership is (now) paved." Livni called
it "the foundation....for an extreme right-wing government." Lieberman
wants Kadima in it. Likud said it would try to forge a broad
coalition, and Peres may shortly announce Netanyahu will lead it.


Stephen Lendman is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on
Globalization. He lives in Chicago and can be reached at
lendman...@sbcglobal.net.
Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com