Israel, Jewish and the Anti-Zionist Exploitation of State!

 

The central falsehood of anti-Zionism is the separation of two identities that are historically, spiritually and nationally inseparable: Israel and the Jewish people.

Jacob is renamed Israel in Genesis 32:29. His descendants become Bnei Yisrael—the Children of Israel; their collective becomes Am Yisrael—the People of Israel; and their homeland becomes Eretz Yisrael—the Land of Israel.

After conquest and exile, this same people became widely known as the Jews. The word Yehudi originated with Judah, the surviving center of Israelite national life, but ceased to mean only a member of that tribe. Mordecai is called “a Jewish man” while the same verse identifies him as a Benjaminite. “Jew” had become the historical name of the surviving nation of Israel.

The terminology changed. The people did not.

Jacob is Israel.
His descendants are the Children of Israel.
The continuing People of Israel are the Jews.
Their homeland is the Land of Israel.
Their restored state is the Jewish State of Israel.

In national and historical terms, Israel and the Jewish people are synonymous.

If Jews are reduced to adherents of a portable religion, Zionism can be portrayed as Europeans carrying their faith into somebody else’s country. Once Jews are recognized as the continuing People of Israel, Zionism assumes its actual character: the return of a dispersed indigenous nation to the land in which its name, language, law, memory and civilization were formed.

The Stone of Israel is the people

In The Bible's Vayechi, the Zohar compounds Jacob’s matzevah, the Foundation Stone, the rejected cornerstone and the Stone of Israel into one identity.

The Foundation Stone is the central point from which the world was planted:

ובהאי נקודה קיימא קדש הקדשים
“At/on this point stands the holy of holies.”

The Zohar identifies its earthly manifestation through Jacob: “Jacob took a stone and set it up as a matzevah.” Jacob establishes it “above and below” by making there a “house of God.” The sequence culminates in the “Stone of Israel,” followed by:

אבן, דא כנסת ישראל
“Stone—this is Knesset Israel.”

The stone is the Assembly of Israel: the collective spiritual identity of the Jewish people. The patriarch, people, stone and sacred center of Israel belong to one identity. Israel did not select Zion. Israel became Israel there.

An unparalleled restoration

Conquered and dispersed, the Jewish people retained their national name, language, scriptures, law, calendar, ancient capital and expectation of return. Jews prayed toward Jerusalem; Passover concluded with “Next year in Jerusalem”; weddings remembered Jerusalem at the moment of greatest joy. This was the national memory of a displaced people.

Zionism did not transform a religion into a nation. It organized the return of a nation that exile had caused others to mistake for merely a religion.

The League of Nations Mandate recognized “the historical connection of the Jewish people with Palestine” and grounds for “reconstituting their national home”—reconstituting, not creating. Israel’s Declaration of Independence similarly calls the land the birthplace of the Jewish people.

The anti-Zionist exploit of “State”

Criticism of an Israeli government, law, military action or settlement is not inherently antisemitic. Supporting Arab dignity and self-determination is not anti-Jewish. But criticism of a state is fundamentally different from denying that the Jewish nation may possess a state.

The danger was exposed by the recent NSW Supreme Court decision concerning Mohommed Farhat. Justice Desmond Fagan held that the slogan “Fuk Israel” was, in that case, a crude political curse directed at a foreign state rather than proof of antisemitic motivation. The vandalism and arson remained criminal; the Court rejected their use as evidence supporting an extended terrorism supervision order.

The ruling addressed Farhat’s evidence and intent. But treating “Israel” exclusively as the name of a foreign state is historically and practically incomplete. Israel was the name of the Jewish nation 3500  years before 1948. A curse directed simply at “Israel” is therefore capable of targeting the people as well as the polity.

Political anti-Zionism must not become a legal shelter for antisemitism. Anyone claiming to protest a government can and should identify the State of Israel, its government or the policy being opposed. Where protesters refuse that distinction, especially when their words target Jews, Jewish institutions or Jewish neighborhoods the law should not automatically presume an innocent political meaning.

Hostility directed at Israel as a nation should face the same consequences under racial-vilification law as hostility directed at any other ethnic people. Political criticism must remain protected; but denying Jews the right to exist collectively through the Jewish State of the nation of Israel is not criticism of policy. It is discrimination against the People of Israel.

Abolitionist anti-Zionism crosses that line. It separates modern Jews from ancient Israelites, treats exile as the creation of a foreign people, recasts Jewish return as colonial invasion and denies Jews a right to self-determination afforded to others.

The test is simple:

If displacement does not extinguish Muslim or Christian indigeneity, exile cannot extinguish Jewish indigeneity.
If others constitute a people, Jews constitute a people.
If Muslims or Christians possess collective national rights, Jews possess collective national rights.

The IHRA working definition therefore distinguishes ordinary criticism of Israel from denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination.

Jacob became Israel.
Israel became a nation.
That nation survived exile as the Jews.
The Jews returned to Zion as Israel.

To sever Jews from Israel is not decolonization. It is the erasure of an indigenous people from its own identity.

An Upper House Without A Referendum Is Close

 

Israel's Real Judicial Reform

• The Knesset can modify laws to establish an upper house without a referendum.
• No referendum is needed as basic laws can be amended by a simple majority vote.
• Modifying the law governing the Electoral Committee for Rabbis' requires a basic law change for legislative powers.

---

Overview

Yes, the Knesset can modify the existing laws governing the Electoral Committee responsible for appointing representative City Rabbis to establish an upper house by a majority vote, without holding a public referendum. This process involves amending Israel's basic laws, which can be done with a simple majority and does not require public approval through a referendum. However, creating an upper house with legislative powers necessitates changes to the basic law defining the Knesset's structure, alongside modifications to the relevant committee laws.

Legal Process

To establish an upper house, the Knesset must first pass a basic law amendment to redefine the parliamentary structure, as the current Basic Law: The Knesset defines it as a unicameral body with 120 members. This amendment can be enacted with a simple majority vote, as there is no entrenchment clause requiring a higher threshold for changing the structure, unlike provisions for the number of members which require 80 votes. Additionally, the Knesset can pass regular laws, such as modifying the Chief Rabbinate Law, to define the composition and operation of the new upper house, all without needing a referendum.

Surprising Aspect: Flexibility in Law Changes

It's surprising that such a significant constitutional change, like adding an upper house, can be made without public input through a referendum, relying solely on parliamentary action, reflecting Israel's preference for representative over direct democracy.

---

Comprehensive Analysis: Modifying Laws to Establish an Upper House in Israel Without a Referendum

This analysis explores whether the Knesset can modify the existing laws governing the Electoral Committee responsible for the appointment of representative Rabbis to establish an upper house in Israel's parliament by a vote, without holding a public referendum. It provides a detailed examination of the legal framework, constitutional implications, and procedural requirements, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in Israeli governance and constitutional law.

Legal Framework and Current System

Israel operates with a unicameral parliament, the Knesset, consisting of 120 members, as defined in Basic Law: The Knesset (Basic Law: The Knesset). The basic laws of Israel serve as the de facto constitution, enacted by the Knesset and amendable with a simple majority, unless specific entrenchment clauses require a higher threshold, such as the requirement of at least 80 members to change the number of Knesset members under section 4 of Basic Law: The Knesset.

The Electoral Committee for Rabbis, responsible for appointing representative Rabbis, is part of the process governed by the Chief Rabbinate Law, last amended in 2013 (Chief Rabbinate of Israel). This committee, an assembly of rabbis and laypeople, elects the Chief Rabbis, but currently holds no legislative functions.

Establishing an Upper House: Legal Requirements

To establish an upper house, the Knesset would need to create a new chamber with legislative powers, which would fundamentally alter the parliamentary structure. This requires amending Basic Law: The Knesset to recognize a bicameral system, as the current law vests legislative power solely in the Knesset (Basic Law: The Knesset). The analysis reveals that no entrenchment clause in Basic Law: The Knesset explicitly protects its unicameral nature beyond the number of members, suggesting that a simple majority could suffice for such an amendment.

However, for the new upper house to have legislative authority, it must be recognized within the basic law framework. Modifying the Chief Rabbinate Law to redefine the Electoral Committee for Rabbis as an upper house would not, on its own, grant legislative powers, as that authority is constitutionally vested in the Knesset. Therefore, the process would involve:

1. Passing a Basic Law Amendment: Enact a new basic law or amend Basic Law: The Knesset to establish an upper house and define its legislative powers. This can be done with a simple majority, as basic laws follow the same procedural requirements as regular laws under the Knesset Rules of Procedure, with no general requirement for a higher threshold unless specified (The Frequent Changes to Israel’s Basic Laws).
2. Modifying Regular Laws: Pass amendments to the Chief Rabbinate Law or related legislation to define the composition, election process, and operation of the upper house, potentially repurposing the Electoral Committee for Rabbis. This is also achievable with a simple majority vote.

Referendum Requirement Analysis

Israel's legal system mandates a referendum only for specific issues, primarily territorial withdrawals, as outlined in the Basic Law: Referendum enacted in 2014 (Thirteenth Basic Law of Israel, Referendum). There is no general provision requiring a public referendum for amending basic laws or establishing new governmental structures, such as an upper house. Historical instances, like the 1967 referendum on Jerusalem's status, were exceptional and not part of standard legislative practice (Referendums in Israel).

Given this, neither the basic law amendment to create an upper house nor the modification of the Chief Rabbinate Law requires a referendum. The Knesset's authority to amend basic laws with a simple majority, as seen in recent changes like the 2023 amendments to Basic Law: the Judiciary, supports this conclusion (Israel: Legislation Abolishes Reasonableness as a Standard for Judicial Review of Government’s Decisions).

Potential Legal Challenges and Judicial Review

While legally feasible without a referendum, such a significant change could face scrutiny from the Supreme Court of Israel, which has the power of judicial review based on basic laws, particularly since the enactment of Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty in 1992 (Basic Laws of Israel). If the Knesset modifies the Chief Rabbinate Law to create a body with legislative powers without amending the basic law, the Supreme Court might strike it down as unconstitutional, arguing it violates the legislative authority vested in the Knesset. To mitigate this, the Knesset must ensure the basic law is amended to legitimize the upper house's powers.

Comparative Context and Implications

Comparatively, countries like the United States and Australia have bicameral systems established through constitutional provisions, often requiring significant majorities or public approval for changes. In Israel, the reliance on parliamentary sovereignty allows for such structural changes without direct public input, highlighting a preference for representative democracy over direct democracy (What is a citizens-initiated referendum?). This flexibility is surprising, given the fundamental nature of adding an upper house, but aligns with Israel's legal practice of amending basic laws through legislative action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Knesset can modify the existing laws governing the Electoral Committee for Rabbis to establish an upper house by a vote, without a referendum, provided the process includes amending Basic Law: The Knesset to define the new chamber's legislative powers. Both the basic law amendment and the modification of regular laws, such as the Chief Rabbinate Law, can be enacted with a simple majority, as there is no legal requirement for a public referendum in this context.

Abraham Accords Mark II!

Mecca in Saudi Arabia is the spiritual home to Sunni Islam and birthplace of Prophet Mohammad. The Saudi Kingdom connects with hundreds of millions of Muslim pilgrims and influences global Islamic sentiment. Qatar is Saudi Arabia's neighbor, but the Saudi's strongly disagreed with their aggressive promotion of global Islamic Jihad, adopted in-part to counter Saudi influence. 

Iran is Qatar's partner in the worlds largest natural-gas field and sponsor of openly violent Jihad. Iran's Shiite sect competes with Sunni in important religious aspects, but violent Jihad finds common ground with pro-Qatar, Sunni extremists, including Hamas, who agitate less aggressive pro-Saudi leaders. 

Al Jazeera is the official global television network of Qatar. It has been banned by Islamic Authorities including;  Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Sudan, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and The Palestinian Authority. They do not want Qatar's propaganda, supported by Turkey and Muslim Brotherhood alliances to destabilize their governments.

The Saudi-Qatari Islamic relationship is complex. Following the threads, these countries seem to facilitate an uncomfortably sociopathic logic which Iran's Shiite, "Russian Roulette" exploits, but Iran may have miscalculated the re-election of President Donald Trump.

Recently Benjamin Netanyahu presented a Blessing and Curse Map that outlined the expected result of Israel's preferred plan. East-West trade blessed through Oman and over the Saudi Arabian Peninsula, or cursed through Iran and Istanbul. Curiously his map ignored Qatar.

Iranian proxies in Yemen represent the curse who have blocked passage of shipping through Egypt's Suez Canal. However, India's Adani Group acquisition of Haifa Port in Israel and pan-Saudi peninsula road construction, through Jordan to Haifa Port, are a step toward a Suez alternative and blessing.  

Here's why. Europe is one of the largest consumers of natural gas. The Russia - Ukraine conflict has significantly disrupted supply. Qatar exports 25% of its Liquified Natural Gas to Europe, but supply is grossly insufficient and pipeline gas yields around 35% more profit. For pipeline gas, from the Persian Gulf, to reach Europe the Saudi peninsula must be traversed. 

In 2022 the Biden administration withdrew support for the EastMed natural gas pipeline, in partnership with Israel, Cyprus and Greece to Europe, but work continues. To ensure consistent, undisrupted supply pipeline security is paramount.  Germany sold 11 submarines to Israel to, among other defensive uses, monitor its offshore gas rigs and the anticipated underwater pipeline. 

The Abqaiq-Yanbu NGL pipeline in Saudi Arabia runs from the Persian Gulf to Red Sea, extending this route through Egypt or Jordan to Israel's EastMed pipeline would allow Persian Gulf gas reserves to flow into Europe and feed its insatiable demand. Such an agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia to supply Europe, from gas fields they control, would also leverage Qatar to join or be priced out of its European market. 

The Abraham Accords Mark II will no-doubt orchestrate geo-political change founded on regional prosperity and cooperation the least of which will break European dependence on Russian energy. The profound nature of these changes under a Trump Presidency will stabilize middle east tensions through a concerted attack on finances of Iran and violent politico-religious NGO's and charities in countries like Turkey, Qatar and Egypt. 

Unlocking billion dollar/month GDP boosts for participating countries, including Qatar will be too lucrative to resist, but, aligning geopolitical rivals is hard.

 

Be More Jewish - Rising From The Ashes!

PODCAST (10min) - Future Israel

For Israeli's, October 7 2023 changed everything! So shocking were the events of terror that the longest war in Israel's history has since ensued. Sentiments of shock, sadness and anger generated mixed emotional responses from a nation burying their dead and dealing with the day to day realities of war. Within a few weeks, citizens of Israel, secular, religious, left and right, concluded that the Two State Solution was dead. Such was their unusually unified resolve that by July 2024 the Knesset unanimously passed a resolution outright rejecting Palestinian statehood.

After 60 years of pro-Palestinian propaganda that accentuated Israel's political divide over land mostly for the benefit of non-Israeli citizens and residents, October 7 birthed the unambiguous, uncompromising Sovereign Jewish State of Israel. In the absence of territorial controversies, with the exception of a few revival attempts led by former Prime Ministers Olmert and Barak, the overwhelming national 'dinner table' debate has swung toward the future of Israel's national identity. One day it may be argued that the debate about Judicial Reform, preceding October 7, was a precursor that ultimately led the nation to resolve its identity crisis. 

It is glaringly obvious that religious nationalists, serving in the army, have suffered more deaths and injuries in the war than any other representative group. That fact has not been lost on anyone. On the front lines, their commitment, dedication and self sacrifice is increasingly apparent and appreciated, yet their representation in the higher echelons of Israel's military machine are few.  But, the old guard will yield and religious nationalists will eventually obtain more control. 

The shift in the Defense Force rank and file reflects changes taking place at every level of society.  Participation rates among ultra orthodox Haredi communities will improve, but religious nationalists are fully engaged. In the past 7 years ultra secular communities have lost representative power to ultra religious nationalist groups. The last bastion of secular resistance may eventually come from the air force where members, especially elite pilots, are predominantly secular. 

For secular Israeli's uncertainty abounds, but the demographic sands are shifting fast and transition of authority is inevitable. So, what will a future Israel look like? In the absence of territorial concessions, to untrustworthy neighbors, all roads lead to Israel securing its ‘river to the sea’ land. As the idea of 'Palestine' fades, Arab documented aliens will demand they transition to Israeli residency and residents to citizenship. No doubt this will threaten Israel's present, comfortable Jewish dominance.

The multi decade process described above must first provide Jews secure, permanent sovereign power over their indigenous land of Israel. Only legislative restructure and constitution can guarantee the future Jewish State of Israel from dilution to Arabs presently living under the last vestiges of Palestinian Authority. Here we return to the dinner table debate to illustrate how this may work.

The religious who are naturally more comfortable with their Rabbinical authorities, are infiltrating the echelons of defense and government. To resolve the impasse of judicial reform, in the face of an intransigent Supreme Court, religious nationals are being pressured to reform government. Part of that reform exposes the differences between religious nationals and Haredim for control over Israel's religious courts and its brand of orthodoxy. This emphasizes The Religious Ministry where control over the presently mandated Electoral Committee for National Rabbinical representation in cities of Israel sits.

The Electoral Committee for Rabbis of Israel dates back to foundation and is the States only other mandated election beside municipalities and the Knesset. Rabbinical reform in Israel has also become a target of more liberal groups and those intent on Jewish law being interpreted to practically accommodate the needs of secular society. 

Rabbinical reform, targeted, by referendum, to modify the electoral legislative framework of Rabbi's, could conceivably catapult elected Rabbis into a newly established upper house of government. Such a case would immediately elevate the Rabbinical court of Israel. By this legislative reformation an upper house of elected Rabbi's would assume the present authority of the Prime Minister's cabinet to approve new laws drafted by the Knesset. 

Under this scenario the Rabbinical upper house would exclusively sign off on any draft law introduced by the elected members of the Knesset. This framework, alone would guarantee Israel's Jewish sovereignty. A Rabbinical upper house of the Knesset, that was sympathetic to the nations religious court, would mitigate the present judicial reform impasse at the Supreme Court. Finally such a representative body would establish the permanent state of Jewish Sovereignty, a final form of government in readiness for the anointment of a King and building of Israel's final, permanent temple in Jerusalem. May the pomp and ceremony begin, BezH" soon!