Democracy

If the shoe doesn’t fit: Why Israel’s political system is pinching democratic growth - analysis

More than ever, the 2026 Knesset elections have shown how dysfunctional and ill-suited it is to the country’s unique governance challenges.

VOTERS CAME out in historic droves last month, but results were not definitive. Pictured: Tel Aviv billboard encourages citizens to vote.
 The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) calls for a demonstration at Ha'penny Bridge under the banner 'Shamrocks for Palestine' to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza in Dublin, Ireland on March 15, 2025.

Islamic Labour Party launches in Ireland, but is not officially registered, 'Post' finds

The Berlin state parliament building (Abgeordnetenhaus Berlin) stands on September 5, 2026 in Berlin, Germany.

Germany's left-wing Die Linke struggles to form coalition as anti-Israel controversy swirls

A white rose lies at a temporary light installation as an action for humanity to commemorate the 88th anniversary of Nazi 'Kristallnacht' pogrom against Jews, at the Holocaust Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin, Germany November 9, 2026.

The anatomy of complacency: What Kristallnacht teaches us about modern American ruptures


Netanyahu is not Thatcher, but both faced the same problem: When to leave - opinion

War has often been used as a politician’s device – either to distract from internal issues or to hope the public will not want to change leaders at a time of uncertainty.

Former British PM Margaret Thatcher 370

Israel or Judea, democracy or religion: What the 2026 election was really about - opinion

The 2026 elections raised a fundamental question about whether Israel can reconcile its Jewish national identity with equal political citizenship.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ra'am chairman Mansour Abbas.

After elections, Israeli Arabs now have political power - will their leaders use it? - analysis

Arab political power reveals a country more complicated than its slogans, with consequential choices for the parties on both sides of the coalition table.

MK Mansour Abbas attends a plenum session and a vote on a bill to split the duties and powers currently held by the attorney general between two separate officeholders, at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, July 15, 2026.

Israel’s election system puts coalition deals ahead of voter choice - opinion

Israel’s proportional representation system gives voters a voice, but coalition deals often determine who governs. Is it time for reform?

People at polling station during the Likud party internal elections in Tel Aviv, July 27, 2026.

Don't waste your vote: What Israelis should consider before election day - opinion

I hope to offer an outline of warnings or alerts that should give one a chance to rethink a possible choice one is contemplating. In a sense, my guide highlights who not to vote for.

Voters casting ballots in Israel's 25th Knesset election

How to vote in Israel: A guide for the first-time voter ahead of the Knesset elections - explainer

From finding your polling station to choosing the right ballot slip, here's everything voters in Israel need to know ahead of the big day.

Ballot papers of various political parties are displayed at the Central Elections Committee warehouse in Shoham, ahead of Israel’s upcoming general elections, October 14, 2026

Naftali Bennett unveils B’Yachad party plan to cut bureaucracy, boost support for olim

"Is our government building an Israel where Jews believe they and their families can be safe, earn a living and build their futures? Is our government making life easier here - or harder?"

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett on October 13, 2026.

Israel, US elections demand accountability, not blind loyalty - opinion

A vote is a choice, and seldom are there perfect choices. Remember that as you cast your ballot. Remember that as you cast your ballot.

 A man casts his vote in the Israeli general elections, at a polling station in Jerusalem, on November 1, 2022.

The reality check we can no longer ignore: Why saving our democracy is up to all of us

Democratic freedom has never been a spectator sport. Australians must raise their voices to meet the immense responsibility of this moment.

Ayal Marek President ARZA Australia

When journalism fails, democracy fails - opinion

Today, we face another contagion: the erosion of our collective capacity for critical thinking.

What happens when Israeli citizens lose the ability to distinguish facts from fiction?