Evil Prevails, Until Democracy Transcends… and Then

Hamas proved how little it cares about Gaza and the Gazans, how much evil they could invoke upon Israelis. They say Hamas knew circumstances were ripe. Protests signaled deep dissension in Israeli society from January 2o23 until October 7. Israel was divided. Masses were demonstrating Judicial reform was the ultimate government goal. Defense and security were marginalized. Conceptions, the conception Netanyahu perpetuated, dismissed public perception of the proposed judicial reform as undermining democracy. Hamas reportedly recognized the division in Israeli society as an opportunity to attack and meet with minimal resistance, to catch Israel off guard.

Yet, let’s assume he didn’t think there wouldn’t be retaliation. Destruction in Gaza. Displaced Gazans. But he preferred to demonstrate evil and cruelty towards Israel, barbarism. An attempt to destroy Israel.

Amidst Israel’s retaliation, judicial reform slipped under the radar. Responsibility of Israel’s leaders for October 7, for disregarding signs brought to their attention for years before, for days before, and hours before, and unprepared, the delayed arrival of defense forces cost lives. Hostages. Responsibility?

Responsibility acknowledged by heads of all security forces from the IDF to the General Security Services, all except the Prime Minister. Avoiding a National Commission of Inquiry, while defense and Intelligence organizations conducted internal inquiries. The official national inquiry, Bibi assured the public would take place when the war ends. Now, there’s a reason to continue a war. He began instituting his mission to get – or impose – resignations of the heads of Police, the army, the General Security Services, the Attorney General. With each attempt, the AG made her recommendations to the government questioning the constitutionality of the moves. An opportunity for the government, and Prime Minister Netanyahu at its head, to delegitimate her status, undermine democracy, and return judicial reform proposals to public attention.

Now it’s the turn of the head of the GSS. He is not complying. He’s backed by the AG, and her turn is expected to come by government vote on Sunday. We took to the streets in anticipation, as we stood at the edge of the ravine, and that did not deter the government from a unanimous vote to fire the head of the GSS. Foreseeably… But why project? We will see what the days and weeks ahead will bring. We will see if Israeli democracy withstands it.

Without the war, Israel would have reached this stage sooner. Civil war in Israel predicted prior to October 7 might have emerged. Hamas could have waited for Israel to self-destruct. But why forego an opportunity to attack Israel and lead to Gaza’s destruction by Israel in the process?

We could self-destruct. We must withstand it. If Israeli democracy as we have known it survives, change must follow. The prior comfort zone brings no solace. Israel must end the Occupation. Israel must ensure equity, equality, inclusion and shared society for all citizens.

Harriet Gimpel, March 21, 2024