Israel faces ongoing political instability as it enters another round of elections, with the government falling three times in the past two years. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to relinquish power to avoid corruption charges has contributed to this crisis. However, Netanyahu's behavior is not unique to Israeli politics. It indicates the broader problems plaguing Israeli democracy, including weak liberal institutions, limited trust and cooperation, and normalized corruption.

Israel's current political disarray can be traced back to its history and culture. The country's focus on national defense and military issues stems from its involvement in wars and conflicts with Palestinians and regional neighbors. It has created a culture that values authority and collective duty. Israelis are taught to obey the state and authority figures, instilling a sense of obedience and sacrifice for the nation. This authority-oriented collectivism is further reinforced by nationalist and socialist political ideologies, which dominated Israeli politics. The lack of a serious liberal strain in Israeli culture hinders the development of institutions that promote cooperation, social inclusion, economic openness, and respect for the rule of law.

Normalized corruption is another significant challenge facing Israeli democracy. While Israelis recognize that authorities can be corrupt, the absence of popular alternatives and the emphasis on following authority for public safety have led to the normalization of corruption. The culture of "chutzpah" encourages challenging authorities but does not challenge collective hierarchies, resulting in regular defection from the game. Words like "freier" (sucker) and "protectzia" (personal connections) reflect the fear of being exploited and a lack of trust in others, hindering solidarity and cooperation.

Israel's corruption and bureaucratic entrenchment have detrimental effects on socioeconomic well-being. The extensive bureaucracy lacks accountability and protects special interests, while corrupt public sector unions harm services. The concentration of economic power in the hands of a few families, along with domestic regulations and barriers to entry, limit market competition and innovation. Starting a new business or developing property is costly and challenging due to complex regulatory requirements and state ownership of land.

The weakness of liberal institutions, both cultural and political, has consequences for Israeli society. The emphasis on collective identity and the fear of exploitation hinder trust and cooperation. Social and political cleavages, including racism towards certain groups and unequal treatment for non-Orthodox forms of Judaism, further exacerbate these divisions. Many Israelis have come to expect corruption as a systemic feature of politics, and strongman politics, focused on populism and nationalist pride, hold cultural cache.

These challenges influence the current elections in Israel and the future prospects for the country. The Likud Party, led by Netanyahu despite his corruption charges, continues to win significant support. Despite the instability and corruption charges, the lack of significant change indicates a need for deeper transformation. Trust in institutions beyond the military and the office of the President is low, and the country's ranking in corruption and civil liberties is comparatively lower than in many developed democracies. The dominance of military figures in politics and the prioritization of military concerns over other needs further imbalances the civilian-military dynamic.

Addressing these challenges requires developing stronger liberal and democratic institutions, fostering trust and cooperation, and promoting inclusive norms that transcend tribalism and identity-based politics. 

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