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IDI promotes discourse between people who hold a plethora of different political opinions. Needless to say, each IDI member holds his/her own opinions, which they are free to promote. Below are links to Op-Eds written by IDI's Arye Carmon, Mordechai Kremnitzer, Yedidia Stern, Momi Dahan, and others. The opinions expressed in the articles below are the authors’ own personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the Israel Democracy Institute.
A recent addition to this page are video interviews with IDI leadership and scholars, as well as leading researchers and public figures who will be speaking at IDI events. For easy access to all video interviews, click here.
1-10 Out of 202
Op-Eds and Video Interviews
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| Publishing date: | 5/17/2012 |
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In recent decades, Israeli politics has been characterized by increasing personalization. While this trend can also be found in other countries, it seems to be more extreme in Israel, and it comes with a heavy price. In this op-ed, Prof. Gideon Rahat, director of research of IDI's Forum for Political Reform in Israel, recommends several changes that can help strengthen Israel's political parties and restore them to reasonable performance.
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| Publishing date: | 5/16/2012 |
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The stunning formation of a new coalition in the middle of the night, just as legislation to dissolve the Knesset and move up the elections was about to be passed, left many people wondering if this was an example of Israeli politics at its best or at its worst. Was this surprising move an example of a creative solution intended for the good of the people or was it a deviation from the rules of the political game? IDI Researcher Dr. Dana Blander explores the two sides of this development, which is likely to redefine what is forbidden, permitted, and worthwhile in Israeli politics.
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| Publishing date: | 5/13/2012 |
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What can remedy the instability, high minister turnover, and bloated cabinets of the Israeli government? In this op-ed, IDI Researcher Dr. Ofer Kenig points to the need for electoral reform—especially the adoption of a regional-proportional system—in order to strengthen Israel's ruling party.
The stunning coalition deal announced just as a call for new elections was being finalized by the Knesset creates a historic opportunity to break the deadlock caused by the current system of Israel’s government in which small, narrow-interest parties have the power to block political reform and prevent breakthroughs on issues of national concern. But it also empowers a large majority to act without meaningful opposition. IDI scholars respond to this unexpected development.
The proposed Basic Law: Legislation would enable the Knesset, with a small majority of only 65 Knesset members, to reinstate laws that have been deemed unconstitutional by the Israeli High Court. In this op-ed, IDI Vice President Prof. Mordechai Kremnitzer and Adv. Amir Fuchs warn of a threat to judicial review and civil liberties.
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| Publishing date: | 4/29/2012 |
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| Category: | Research and Programs |
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As the world considers the threat of a nuclear Iran, Israeli public discourse has focused primarily on whether or not Israel should launch a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. But who has the authority to decide whether a military operation should be conducted? In this article, IDI Vice President Prof. Mordechai Kremnitzer and researcher Eyal Zur explore the strengths and weaknesses of the current division of responsibility regarding this matter, and recommend ways of improving the system.
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| Publishing date: | 4/24/2012 |
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What kind of state are we celebrating when we commemorate Israel Independence Day? According to Israel’s Basic Laws, the answer is a “Jewish and democratic state.” In an op-ed in Yediot Achronot, IDI Vice President Prof. Yedidia Z. Stern discusses the tension between the two facets of Israel's dual identity and the attacks against the concept "Jewish state" by three fundamentalist camps: religious, ultra-nationalist, and liberal.
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| Publishing date: | 4/23/2012 |
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On April 30, 2012, the Knesset opened its summer session, during which it is expected that early elections will be called. Even if the next elections are moved up, it is clear that the second Netanyahu government, which recently marked three years in office, is Israel's most stable government in 25 years. But is stability a good thing? IDI Researcher Dr. Ofer Kenig of IDI's Forum for Political Reform in Israel shares his thoughts.
On April 4, 2012, IDI appealed to the public for information that will inform the Institute's efforts to draft a proposal for regulating the activities of lobbyists in the Knesset. The submission deadline for relevant documents is April 23, 2012.
The story of the Exodus from Egypt is a story of miracles. But what is the role of miracles in Jewish life? In this op-ed from the Jerusalem Post, IDI Vice President of Research Prof. Yedidia Stern discusses the tension between relying on miracles and assuming responsibility.
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