Democracy

Lapid pledged that the next government will work to pass a constitution for the State of Israel, with the Declaration of Independence serving as its preamble. According to him, the constitution is intended to establish democratic rules of the game and forge broad agreements between parts of the nation.

Instead of uniting behind Gadi Eisenkot, each of the bloc's parties is setting conditions, as if we were already in coalition negotiations after the victory over the nightmare government. Despite the good intentions, this is not how one builds an alternative to the government.

All three came to save the country. It is one of the beautiful traditions: 10 million citizens, and each one is convinced that the country would be a paradise if only all the others would stop destroying it.

Protest organizations are returning to Habima Square to demand the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, equality in the burden of service, and the protection of election integrity. Organizers warn against the use of public resources for political purposes.

Plan A of the Minister of Justice is, of course, his control over the Supreme Court; Plan B is the extinction of the court. Much like Benjamin Netanyahu, who is willing to impose unimaginable costs on the country in the name of continuing his rule and his war against half the state, so is Levin, with his all-out war against the court.

Orly Adas, former CEO of the Central Elections Committee, argues that the manual voting method ensures maximum reliability and transparency, protecting the democratic process from cyber threats and manipulation.

The election campaign has turned into a war of identities. Most candidates do not present work plans, but focus on proving their tribal affiliation.

The law preventing a person under indictment from serving as prime minister is merely a temporary cover. Only a balanced mechanism, ensuring immunity from claims of persecution, will strengthen the foundations of the regime.

Every Saturday night, protest organizations hold a demonstration in Tel Aviv demanding the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the events of October 7 and for equality in the burden of service. Among the speakers: the parents of Itay Chen, Prof. Uzi Arad, and retired Major General David Tzur. The organizers: "Stand on guard."

Last month, Elon Musk crossed the trillion-dollar mark, and estimates suggest five more trillionaires will join him within a decade. Does all this wealth threaten democracy? And why are more and more warnings being heard on the subject?

In recent weeks, a new object for a panic campaign has emerged - election day. Turning the flagship event of democracy into an explosive and threatening scenario is not just media hysteria, but a planned influence operation aimed at making politics repulsive, eroding public trust, and preparing the ground for the rule of bureaucrats and unelected systems.

A Starbucks Korea campaign, which included the terms "SS Tank" and "Tank Day," sparked accusations that it mocked one of the most traumatic events in the country's history. Following the uproar, police raided the company's offices, the campaign was canceled, and the CEO was dismissed.

In an interview with Galei Tzahal, the acting Director General of the Central Elections Committee, Adv. Dean Livne, rejected claims against the committee and its leadership. He warned that questioning the reliability of the election process is a tactic designed to incite public distrust and destabilize democratic institutions.

A political police force, whose officers feel they have immunity from prosecution, can serve as a clear tool for rigging elections. From false arrests, unjustified heating up of the field, political investigations, leaking sensitive information, through harassment of parties and candidates, preventing demonstrations and gatherings and suppressing messages against the government, to ignoring...

Violent attacks have become routine, Knesset legislation directly affects press freedom, and politicians' verbal abuse of media outlets continues. If this drift is not stopped, we will find ourselves in a country that is "democratic" in name only.

Modern democracies are not run through constant referendums, but through elected institutions whose role is to make decisions — even when they are complex, unpopular, and sometimes involve a public cost. After the elections, the public must criticize and monitor, but also allow its elected officials to govern and bear responsibility for their decisions.

Police Commissioner Rav-Nitzav Dani Levy addressed reports of foreign attempts to influence the upcoming elections. He emphasized that the police will not tolerate any interference with the democratic process.

Gil Bringer calls Yariv Levin's attempt to promote judicial reform a 'conservative march of folly.' He is right that the attempt failed miserably and requires lessons to be drawn, but his proposed lesson is flawed.

It is hard to come to terms with a Knesset that has lost its moral compass. Precisely after October 7th, when we were exposed to mutual responsibility and sacrifice, it is time to restore decency to the political system — through education and through leadership.