cover of episode Israel's Existential Threat From Within

Israel's Existential Threat From Within

2024/9/18
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Chapters

The rise of extremist settlers in Israel is explained through a long history of internal battles. These extremists, now holding powerful positions in the government, are pushing the country towards an existential crisis.
  • Extremist settlers' increasing influence threatens Israel's democratic and lawful foundation.
  • The failure of Israeli administration, defense establishment, and law enforcement to enforce laws on extremist settlers contributes to the problem.
  • Dark predictions from officials years ago about Jewish terrorists becoming the law have become a reality.

Shownotes Transcript

Warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence.

In the last year, the world’s eyes have been on the war in Gaza, which still has no end in sight. But there is a conflict in another Palestinian territory that has gotten far less attention, where life has become increasingly untenable: the West Bank.

Ronen Bergman, who has been covering the conflict, explains why things are likely to get worse, and the long history of extremist political forces inside Israel that he says are leading the country to an existential crisis.

Guest: Ronen Bergman), a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine.

Background reading: 

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily). Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.