Pundits have been raising the issue for years; since Israel could not be both Jewish and a democracy, which would it choose? After the events of the last few weeks, the answer is no longer in doubt; liberal democracy in Israel is going to take a back seat.
Israel is divided into three groups: blue Israelis, who are relatively secular, pay the bills, and fight the wars; red Israelis, who spend most of their time praying, taking handouts, and complaining that the blue Israelis look down on them; and the Palestinians–some citizens, some not–who have minimal power and are forced to rely on the goodwill of the other groups. Does that sound like America? Of course it does!
It’s hard to see the current conflict ending well. If Netanyahu and the red Israelis prevail, which is likely, even harder times for the Palestinians will ensue. More violence is inevitable–some of it may spread to the Palestinian citizenry. Israel will be more diplomatically isolated as a result. Only Iran will gain from that.