Israel's Democracy Is at Risk—And So Is the Future of the Middle East

When Democracy Becomes a Memory

I've spent years covering conflicts around the globe, but nothing has prepared me for what I saw in Israel this past week. It's not just that this is an election like no other—it's that it might be the last real test of democracy in the country's history. The stakes are higher than ever before, and they're not only about Israelis, but also about Palestinians, the international community, and the very idea of liberal governance in a region defined by its fragility.

On the ground, I spoke to voters who said that if Benjamin Netanyahu returns to power, Israel may not exist in any meaningful democratic sense. He's not just a politician—he's become a force that systematically dismantles institutions that protect freedom, checks abuses of power, and sustains pluralism. And with each passing day, the damage deepens.

"If the courts are gone, we're heading off a cliff," said Yehuda Shaul, an Israeli anti-occupation activist who has dedicated his life to defending democratic norms even when the system seems broken. His words echoed in my mind as I watched the destruction of Palestinian villages and the steady expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

The Courts Are Our Last Stand

It's no secret that Netanyahu has long wanted to undermine the judicial system. He's already tried to gut it once, and now, with a coalition built on right-wing extremism and authoritarian impulses, he seems determined to finish what he started. If he wins in October, his plan is clear: eliminate judicial independence, which has long served as the only check on his power.

What's terrifying isn't just that Netanyahu would destroy institutions—what makes this truly dangerous is how the Israeli public has largely accepted it. A country that prides itself on being a democracy in the Middle East now risks becoming like Turkey or Russia, with all the attendant consequences for rights, freedoms, and the rule of law.

West Bank: A Warning Sign for the World

My journey through the West Bank made it clear that this is not just about politics—it's about survival. In villages like Mu'arrajat and Ras 'Ein al 'Auja, I saw firsthand how Palestinian lives have been uprooted by settler violence and state-sponsored neglect.

What struck me most was not just the violence but the scale of the displacement. The Israeli government's tolerance for this expansion—this ethnic cleansing by another name—means that the two-state solution is no longer viable. The land is being carved up, not to build peace, but to entrench division and dominance.

And yet, despite all this, we are still told that democracy is alive in Israel. That's a dangerous illusion—one that could cost us everything.

The World Watches—and Falters

As someone who covers global affairs, I've seen how the international community often fails to act when faced with such stark realities. When it comes to Israel, especially, the world is divided—some call for accountability, others defend state sovereignty, and many remain silent.

It's a shame that we've allowed ourselves to be so passive. We watched the rise of Netanyahu and his ilk without sufficient opposition, and now we're paying the price. The British government's recent sanctions package may be a step forward, but as those on the ground have told me, it will mostly hurt Palestinians who depend on these programs.

We must not let this moment slip by. There is still time for the world to respond with clarity and courage. We cannot wait for another tragedy to remind us what's at stake.

A Call for Action

The real test now isn't just about electing leaders—it's about choosing values. For Israel, it's about whether democracy can survive in the face of extremism. For Palestinians, it's about whether their right to live with dignity will be preserved.

But ultimately, it's a choice for the world: Do we want to live in a region where democracy is respected, where human rights are protected, and where peaceful coexistence is possible? Or do we accept a future where power trumps principle?

That's the question that Israel's voters will face on 27 October—and one that echoes far beyond its borders. The answer will determine whether this country—and the world—can still count itself among the free.