SA Jews divided on far-right Israeli cabinet

“I really do worry about [Benjamin or Bibi] Netanyahu’s ability to control the tiger he has ridden in on. A challenge not to be underestimated,” tweeted local commentator Howard Feldman on 13 November.

Feldman is one of a number of Jewish individuals and organisations in South Africa who have expressed concern about the outcome of the recent Israeli elections in which there was a swing to the extreme right. But others say the results offer new possibilities for Israeli society.

The alliance of Likud, Religious Zionism [which includes Otzma Yehudit], Shas, and United Torah Judaism has won the majority of seats in Israel’s Knesset. Headed by Netanyahu, this coalition will probably make up the next government.

“Judging by their election manifestos and statements, Israel will be ruled by ultra-nationalist, racist, homophobic, religious fundamentalists with little sympathy or actual antipathy towards minorities and those who don’t observe their approved version of Judaism,” says local organisation, the Jewish Democratic Initiative (JDI). “Democracy itself will come under attack, and the potential for violence instigated and encouraged by such far-right extremist ideologies and policies cannot be overstated.

“An important question for our South African Jewish community is how to react to the increased legitimisation and political power of openly racist and homophobic political parties and the politicians who represent them,” the organisation says.

However, Benji Shulman, the national policy director at the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF), says, “The SAZF supports Israel’s vibrant democracy, which includes its democratic election process and the outcome of that democratic process.

“The overall voting pattern of this election was similar to the previous ones held in this cycle, with an even split between two camps,” Shulman says. “The number of Knesset seats, however, this time allows for a path towards a right-wing coalition which wasn’t possible before. It’s important to note that the government isn’t formed yet, and negotiations are still taking place. The SAZF will engage the new Israeli government on issues relevant to our community.”

Ari Kruger, a financial advisor and Israel advocate, says, “This government and coalition have incredible opportunities. A strong, stable, and right-wing government will provide the best coalition outcome and hopefully [Benny] Gantz and his party will join the government to provide balance.

“There’s no one in Israel who can match the brilliance of Bibi,” he says. “He transformed the Israeli economy, brought peace deals, and placed Israel as a preferred partner internationally, while bringing a prolonged level of relative quiet and security.”

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, “is a disciple of the notorious racist leader Rabbi Meir Kahane”, JDI points out. “Ben-Gvir also considers the mass murderer Baruch Goldstein a hero for massacring 29 Palestinians at worship. He has a history of criminal convictions for racist incitement, he threatened violence against Yitzhak Rabin a week before his assassination, and he has called repeatedly for the expulsion of Arab citizens of Israel.”

Bezalel Smotrich is the leader of the far-right Religious Zionist party. “He recently proposed a law that would impose full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank as well as ban Arab political parties. In addition, he opposes civil rights for the LGBTQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer, intersex] community, and is committed to banning mixed-faith relationships. He was quoted as stating that he’s a ‘proud homophobe’.”

But, according to Kruger, “Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich will find themselves leashed by the brilliant political genius that is Netanyahu. The positive [element] of these controversial characters is that the Palestinians and enemies of Israel understand only strength, and they provide the deterrence needed to remind the extremists who’s in charge.”

Local community leader Reeva Forman says, “Of course, an extreme right-wing government is very troubling, and we have to be concerned. An Israeli journalist friend pointed out the irony of Netanyahu being the nearest to the ‘left’ of this coalition. The most extreme political party, Otzma Yehudit, is already demanding the cancellation of recognition of reform conversions and the alteration of the Law of Return.”

Attorney Larry Marks says, “The government of the past year got much wrong: inflation, unemployment, and very little political victories other than a poorly thought out maritime agreement. We were and are still seeing daily terrorist attacks and an emasculated police and military, too frightened to act decisively for fear of prosecution in the face of almost impossible rules of engagement.

“What the Likud-led coalition is offering is increased police recruitment to deal with terror, a change in the rules of engagement to deal with terror, subsidies and tax breaks on property purchases and fuel and basic foodstuffs, and economic support, as an interim measure.

“The Jewish community should support a stable government with a plan of action which includes economic support for olim and citizens. This will make it more affordable to live in Israel, and strengthen the Israeli economy, which will in turn allow the Israeli government to foster aliya and assist diaspora communities that are under threat.”

JDI Executive Director Ashley Fischhoff says the organisation released its statement because, “Israel is central to our identity as Jews, and our South African identity connects us to a constitutional democracy. Both of these need constant evaluation.

“Our concern is that democratically elected officials will use their political power to diminish democracy. We’re concerned that political leaders are moving closer to an authoritarian society.

“Furthermore, the legal system may be revised to remove the power of the judiciary as a moderating force over the legislative process. This illiberalism is out of step with values held by most diaspora Jews as well as many Israelis.

“We must state our opposition publicly to these attacks on the rule of law with the same vehemence we would employ if our own rights were being diminished,” she says. “We cannot be blinded by love for Israel to become apologists for authoritarianism.”