Israel Turns 75: Is its Democracy at Risk?

On April 25th, Israel marks 75 years of existence, commemorating the Declaration of Independence of 1948. But this year, amid the fireworks, military parades and flag-waving, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu will be on the lookout for disruptions and more protests.

Recent proposals by Netanyahu's government - the most far-right in the history of the country - to weaken the Supreme Court has sent hundreds of thousands of protestors to the streets. Meanwhile, illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank continue to spread, with the open support of members of the government, including controversial figures such as Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

So, is Israel's democracy at risk? And in this context, what future is there for Palestinians and Israeli Arabs?

Hilde Henriksen Waage, professor of History at the University of Oslo, and research professor at PRIO. She has worked extensively on the role of Norway in the Oslo Accords and is a published author on the topic. Jørgen Jensehaugen is Senior Researcher at PRIO, and author of the book “Arab-Israeli Diplomacy Under Carter."

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