Gaza, postwar diplomacy, judicial reform Main issues in Israel's general election

[Jerusalem Current Affairs] The Netanyahu coalition government, which has been described as the ``most right-leaning government in Israeli history,'' has taken a hard line in military operations against Gaza, the Palestinian autonomous region, Iran, and other areas, while promoting ``reforms'' that curb the authority of the judiciary in domestic affairs. There is a debate in Japan over the pros and cons of this, and it will also be an issue in the general election to be held on the 27th (unicameral system, 120 seats).

◇Prime Minister Netanyahu's responsibilities

A cross-border attack by the Islamic group Hamas from Gaza to Israel in October 2023 that triggered the military operation left about 1,200 people dead on the Israeli side. The dysfunction of the Netanyahu administration's security policy to date has been highlighted.

As public opinion in Israel calls for the rescue of the hostages taken by Hamas to Gaza, the government, whose support base is made up of hard-line anti-Palestinian citizens, is carrying out a military operation that could endanger the lives of the hostages. The two main goals of the operation were to recapture all the hostages and destroy Hamas, but the country was divided over which to prioritize.

Although the Israeli military has recaptured all the hostages so far, many lost their lives in the chaos of the military operation and returned home without a word. Opposition parties are pursuing Prime Minister Netanyahu, who continues to avoid responsibility for the situation that led to the surprise attack, and are increasing their support.

◇“Killing enemy generals” also remains a threat

Starting in Gaza, Israel has also launched operations targeting Lebanese Shiite Islamic groups Hezbollah and Iran, which it views as threats to the survival of the nation. They have killed the top leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran one after another, and these achievements have been widely praised within the country.

On the other hand, ``killing enemy generals'' does not directly lead to the dissolution of the organization or the collapse of the government, and the threat remains. There has been criticism that Japan expanded hostilities without a post-war exit strategy and failed to achieve any diplomatic results. The United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry has labeled the military operation in Gaza a "genocide." Israel, which maintains the legitimacy of the attack, has become increasingly isolated within the international community.

While the Netanyahu administration focuses only on its relationship with the United States, which has military backing, Eisenkot, leader of the opposition party Yashar, who is seen as a potential rival to become the next prime minister, emphasizes that he is a ``member of the international community'' and shows an attitude of cooperating with European countries, where rifts are deepening.

◇ Reform of self-interest?

In January 2023, the Netanyahu government announced a plan to revise the judicial system, reducing the powers of the judiciary and expanding the powers of the parliament and government. Since then, there have been repeated large-scale protests in the country, amid suspicions that Netanyahu's personal interests were involved, as he faces a corruption trial. Mr. Eisenkot has vowed to abolish the relevant laws enacted in response to the proposed review.

On the other hand, there is a strong opinion among the people who support the government that it is strange for unelected judges to interfere in the decisions of the Diet. If the government wins the election, there is a possibility that the review will move forward all at once.