An Investigation into the Effects the Political Situation of the Israeli Regime has on its Security

Document Type : Original Article from Result of Thesis

Authors

• Rahim Piri ¹
• Ghasem Toraby ²
• Aireza Rezaei ²

¹ 1- Ph.D. Student in International Relations, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Hamadan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran

² Associate Prof. at Department of Political Science and International Relations, Hamadan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran.

Abstract

Highlights

Introduction

The developments in the occupied territories of Palestine and the change in the nature of the world order over the past two decades indicate that the Israeli regime has expanded its military and non-military threats and it is not possible for it to continue using only the traditional approach. The changes in the security environment, the coming to power of Israel’s extreme right and the Intifada (the uprising of the Palestinian people) have extended the scope of political threats that this regime faces. Accordingly, Israel has mobilized all its political capacity and capabilities inside and outside the occupied territories to ensure its political security and legitimacy. Due to its internal nature and political isolation, the Israeli regime is still faced with declining public trust and a crisis of legitimacy. It is hence necessary to identify, investigate, and analyze the political challenges influencing the security of the Israeli regime. The question here is this: What effects and outcomes does the political situation of the Israeli regime have in relation to its security? The research hypothesis answering this question is as follows: “Racial segregation or apartheid, instability, corruption, low levels of political participation of the citizens, and the impasse in the Middle East Peace Process are among the main political challenges influencing the political security of the Israeli regime, decreasing its legitimacy and posing existential threats to its security and survival. The main objective of this study was only to focus on the fundamental political challenges influencing the security of this regime.

Methodology

In this qualitative study, the research hypothesis was examined based on a descriptive-analytical approach and the data were collected through desk studies (library resources, official websites of reputable think tanks and scientific centers and speeches by and confessions of Israel's leaders and officials broadcast on Israeli media).

Findings and Discussion

This research studied and discussed the most important of the many political security challenges that the Israeli regime faces. The results indicate that the Israeli regime has been facing political instability for more than two decades. This situation has been worse than ever over the past two years. The formation of heterogeneous and fragile coalitions as well as the increased violence and extremism in Israeli society are among the main syndromes of this political instability. On the other hand, the reduced motivation for participation in elections, the growing trend of boycotting elections, the gradual elimination of minorities from the election system, and voters’ frustration over lack of changes in the status quo are among the main factors reducing participation and collaboration of the Jewish citizens with the Israeli regime in its power and sovereignty. The increasing political corruption at different levels of the government is another factor influencing the political security of the Israeli regime. Over the past 20 years, three presidents, four prime ministers, and tens of ministers, Knesset members and mayors have been accused of corruption or sentenced to prison by the judicial system of this regime. Institutionalization of racism and rule of apartheid in the structure governing the Israeli regime are also policies pursued through strategies such as Judaization, mass expulsion of Palestinians, construction of the Separation Barrier and settlements, and usurpation of Palestinian lands. In addition, the ratification of the Jewish Nation-State Basic Law and the increasing support for the extreme right parties by the Jewish people has hindered the implementation of the two-state solution. The Israeli scientific centers have estimated that the population of Jews and Arabs will be equal soon. Therefore, it can be anticipated that, with the diminishing probability of the implementation of the two-state solution, the establishment of a bi-national government that ensures equal civil rights for all citizens will damage the Jewish identity and lead to the collapse of the Israeli regime.  

Conclusion:

The study results suggest that political instability, political corruption, low levels of political participation of the citizens, racial separation, and the impasse in the Middle East Peace Process are among the main political challenges of the Israeli regime that reduce the legitimacy of this regime and face its security and survival with an existential threat. The main effects and consequences of political instability for the Israeli regime include basic barriers to changes in settlement policies, to peace between Israel and Palestine and to foreign relations, erosion in Israel’s deterrent power, non-ratification of budget bills, collapse of coalition governments, early elections, and the ever-increasing institutionalization of Jewish extremist and terrorist groups. Numerous studies and surveys performed by scientific and research centers of the Israeli regime demonstrate that the public trust and motivation for political participation in Israel is on a downward trend and also public trust in the government, the Knesset and the political parties is at a very low level. On the other hand, the frequent elections have produced no result except for establishment of fragile coalitions, increased dissatisfaction of the voters, and occupation of high political positions by influential individuals and groups and even criminal organizations. These have imposed considerable social, economic and political costs on the Israeli regime and are one of main challenges for its existence and survival. The above-mentioned studies and surveys have also indicated that the majority of the Jews living in occupied Palestine believe that their authorities and officials are corrupt and corruption is institutionalized in all the organizations of this regime. This situation has sharply reduced their trust in the Israeli regime. Some top Israeli officials argue that this lack of trust is a serious threat to the existence of the regime and will lead to its collapse if it continues. Racial separation and the structural superiority of Jews over Palestinians is another issue that has led to the confrontation of the international community with the Israeli regime. Many Jews living in Israel as well as the political and security officials of this regime believe that the Jewish government is becoming increasingly isolated in the international community, and the increasing support for the extremist parties and currents is a serious threat to the security and legitimacy of this regime. Moreover, the heads of the Israeli regime argue that not only is the two-state solution unrealistic but it can also reduce the strategic depth of the Israeli regime and existentially threaten its security. Therefore, they emphasize the establishment of security fences around all the Israeli settlements to ensure the security of this regime. It is also noteworthy that Palestinian armed attacks against the Zionist regime are increasing day by day, and most Palestinians believe that their confrontation with the Israeli regime will continue until the recapture of all Palestinian lands, even if peace is established in the Middle East. 

Keywords

• Political Security
• Challenges
• Legitimacy
• Israeli Regime

Main Subjects

• Israel
• Security
• National Security
• Crisis
• Middle East
• State
• West Asia