There Is No “Deep State” in Israel

The term “deep state” generally refers to a type of government made up of potential, unauthorized secret networks of people operating independently (and often clandestinely) of a country’s political leadership in pursuit of their own agenda and goals.

Although the term originated in Turkey, various nations have developed their own interpretations of the concept. US President Trump often refers to those in government who do not agree with him as the deep state.  Here in Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu has begun to use the term as well to describe those whom he believes threaten his continued leadership.

In some contexts, “deep state” is also used to refer to shadowy conspiracies, while in others it describes legitimate concerns about the enduring influence of military, intelligence, and bureaucratic institutions on democratic governance.

Both in the US and Israel, the term is meant to be pejorative, and conveys the notion that if there is a “deep state” it is inimical to the best interests of the country.  Although my guess is that those who populate the “deep state” do believe that they are actually doing what is best for the country, and generally in response to the fear of creeping autocracy.

Yet the question can be raised as to when, or if, does legitimate opposition to the party in power in a democratic society morph into something that can be termed a “deep state?” After all, in a healthy democracy opposition is both welcomed and encouraged.  Political scientists will opine that a healthy opposition ensures a strong democracy and prevents a slide into autocracy.

The answer may be that when democratic institutions are seriously threatened, or when the opposition is quashed by the government, or when the government begins to go after the guard rails of democracy then the only alternative for the opposition is to become the “deep state.”

For example, in the US today, where the government is attacking the press (regularly referred to as fake news even when reporting clear facts), the judiciary (suggesting a judge who rules unfavorably should be impeached), and the legal profession (removing security clearances from attorneys who may have challenged the government), people may feel they have no alternative but to organize as the “deep state.”

However, Israel is not in this situation and the Prime Minister’s decision to refer to the opposition as the “deep state” is simply taking pages from the Trump playbook.  In Israel, the government does not select which members of the press can attend a press conference, judges are not threatened with impeachment by those whom they rule against and lawyers are not prevented from practicing because they oppose the government.

For sure, as in every government, there are constant arguments about whether the Prime Minister does or does not have the right to relieve someone of their duties as well as disagreements about the replacements.

But the opposition here is composed of people who have real skin in the game.  They are people who have served their country, have watched their sons, daughters, parents, spouses and siblings give their lives for this country, or become hostages of Hamas and yet have answered every call to duty.  They are, by their actions, committed to the continued growth of the country and the rule of law.  It is the ultimate insult for anyone to refer to them as the “deep state.”

As we approach the Passover holiday, our festival of freedom which was the original “liberation day” let us hope that humanity can, once again, throw off the shackles of political oppression and achieve the real promise that is embodied by the meaning of freedom.