The state of the State of Israel: Judicial reform crisis shakes nation

Israel celebrated its 75th Independence Day amid fears that the dysfunctionality, bordering at times on chaos, which dominated the first 100 days of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “fully right-wing government” would continue, deepening the unprecedented rifts that threaten to tear the country apart.

Speaking in late December after returning to power, Netanyahu laid out the government’s top priorities: “Stopping Iran; returning security and governance; dealing with the cost of living; and dramatically expanding the circle of peace,” in reference to the aim of expanding the Abraham Accords to other regional countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.

Little or no progress has been made in any of these areas. Iran has made significant diplomatic achievements in recent months and is closer to a bomb; security and governance are conspicuous by their absence; inflation hasn’t fallen significantly; and relations with friendly Arab states are under strain.