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Ehud Barak interview: Israeli democracy on the chopping block
Israel's delicate balance between democracy and political power is under threat, as the government's proposed judiciary overhaul poses a significant risk to the checks and balances of its political system.
On GZERO World, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak warns that the judicial overhaul, backed by coalition members, would undermine the independence of the courts and leave the executive branch unchecked. Barak describes current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet as legal but "illegitimate," with a "black flag waving over it." It's no surprise, he says, that it has been sparking protests nationwide.
Note: This interview was first featured in the GZERO World episode "How Bibi could end Israel's democracy (or get ousted)," published on May 8, 2023.
As Israel marks Memorial Day and Independence Day back-to-back, Barak underscores the high cost the country has paid for its existence and its willingness to do so again. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces a difficult choice between jeopardizing Israel's democracy, national identity, and economy by pushing forward with the judicial reform agenda, or risking losing the support of his far-right coalition.
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From tragedy to resilience: The story of Israel according to former PM Barak
What does it truly mean to give the ultimate sacrifice? And how can we give meaning to those who have made it?
These were questions that former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak delved into in a recent interview with Ian Bremmer on GZERO World.
Barak, who spent 36 years in uniform and lost many friends, shared two anecdotes to illustrate the magnitude of sacrifice for Israel. It is a country, he says, that has used its tragic past to build a resilient present.
Watch the episode of GZERO World with Ian Bremmer: How Bibi could end Israel's democracy (or get ousted)
Israel's government legal but not legitimate, says former PM Ehud Barak
Is Israel's democracy in danger? On GZERO World, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak sits down with Ian Bremmer to discuss what Barak thinks is the hidden agenda of the current government's judicial overhaul.
For Barak, the proposed reform process is really a power grab because it would undermine the very institutions that Israel stands for. He also accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using a "clever tactic" to hide his true motivations.
Despite being a legal government, Barak describes the ruling coalition as "illegitimate" — with a "black flag waving over it." And that, he adds, has big implications for the future of Israeli democracy.
Watch the episode of GZERO World with Ian Bremmer: How Bibi could end Israel's democracy (or get ousted)
How Bibi could end Israel's democracy (or get ousted)
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has a chilling warning about the future of Israeli democracy: The government's judicial overhaul plan puts the very foundations of Israeli democracy at risk.
In an interview with Ian Bremmer on GZERO World, Barak explains that the reforms could erode the independence of the courts and weaken minority protections. Barak also accuses current PM Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu of hiding his true motives, describing his far-right coalition government as legal yet "illegitimate."
As protests continue across the country, Barak says that Bibi faces an uncomfortable choice: Push ahead and harm democracy, or pull back and likely lose his job.
The ex-PM, who was in uniform for 36 years, also shares personal stories of Israel's sacrifices. He urges others to give meaning to those who have paid the ultimate price.
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Podcast: Why Netanyahu critic Ehud Barak calls Israel's government "clearly illegitimate"
Listen: As Israel grapples with political and social turmoil, the debate over judicial reform has become a crucial battleground for the country's future direction. In a conversation with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, they delve into the implications of Prime Minister Netanyahu's proposed reforms that would give the executive branch sweeping control over the composition of the Supreme Court and allow parliament to overturn court rulings with a simple majority. Despite Netanyahu's decision to postpone the vote on these controversial reforms, protests have continued to rage across the country — with big potential consequences for Israel's democratic system and social stability.
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Israel's judicial reform could destroy democracy from within, says former PM Ehud Barak
For months, Israel has been embroiled in political turmoil over the government's plan to overhaul the judiciary. But how much of a risk are the reforms to Israeli democracy?
For former PM Ehud Barak, what current PM Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu and his far-right allies want to do will eliminate the last check on executive power in Israel. By that, he means the independence of the courts.
Barak tells Ian Bremmer on GZERO World that a democracy like Israel should be capable of protecting itself from those who are using the tools the system offers "to destroy it from within."
No wonder, then, that roughly 5% of the country's population has taken to the streets to protest the overhaul. The scale has surprised Barak, a longtime Bibi critic. "I did not expect it to be so powerful and creative," he says.
Watch the interview in the upcoming episode of "GZERO World with Ian Bremmer," airing on US public television nationwide. Check local listings.
- Israel’s judicial reforms: Here we go again ›
- Israel’s political crisis, explained ›
- Why Netanyahu relented to protests in Israel, but France's Macron didn't ›
- Podcast: Why Netanyahu critic Ehud Barak calls Israel's government "clearly illegitimate" - GZERO Media ›
- Ehud Barak interview: Israeli democracy on the chopping block - GZERO Media ›