Articles

Just like the stories of Joseph and his brothers, the Hasmonean struggle revolves around the question of fraternity among siblings—a question that today challenges the modern Jewish kingdom – The State of Israel.

I wish to thank our friends around the world for the support you have shown IDI and the Israeli people. As we celebrate the holiday of Hannukah – and search for light amid the gathering darkness – I know that you join me in praying for the safe and rapid return of our hostages. I wish you all Hanukkah Sameach and a Happy New Year.

In response to a petition filed against him regarding the intentional delay in appointing a president of the Supreme Court, Minister Levin claimed that it is impossible to sanction him because he enjoys “substantive immunity.” A closer examination of the law reveals that this is not the case.

While the Haredi leadership is fighting against military service for yeshiva students, real change is already visible on the margins of Haredi society, with a growing desire among young men to serve in the IDF like other Israelis. What’s needed now is for the politicians, the religious leadership, and the government to adapt to the changes on the ground.

Less than one-fifth of Israelis rate Israel’s overall situation as “good” or "very good.” However, about two-thirds of the public believe that Israel is a good place to live. Additionally, a large majority of Jews and a small majority of Arabs feel a sense of belonging to the State of Israel and its challenges.

Amnesty International's report on the war in Gaza fails to prove acts of genocide by Israel, even when attempts are made to move the goalposts.

In September, the Supreme Court ordered the Minister to fulfill his duty to convene the Committee because the system cannot be paralyzed. Since then, the Minister has convened the committee, but refused to appoint the Supreme Court President. Now, the Court has ordered him to do so.

When South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who previously praised liberal democracy, declared martial law, a swift and decisive response from the general public, and subsequently parliament, thwarted the move within hours. These events illustrate that in order to increase the chances of recovery and inoculation against democratic backsliding, democratic institutions must be strengthened.

While it’s important to facilitate the integration of Haredim into academia and the workforce, seperate graduate program for men and women can be harmful to the rights of women and often clashes with the law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in public places.

On December 9, 2024, the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) and European Union (EU) Delegation in Israel jointly hosted a conference with leaders in the field of digital media challenges and regulations to advance solutions.

In the second installment of their two-part analysis of the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, Prof. Yuval Shany and Prof. Amichai Cohen examine the arguments behind the arrest warrants and steps Israel can take to prevent them from being realized. 

IDI's Prof. Yuval Shany and Prof. Irwin Cotler discuss the ICC arrest warrants issued against Israel's Prime Minister and former Defense Minister. The event was hosted by the International Jewish Lawyers organization in partnership with the American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists (AAJLJ). 

48% of Israelis think PM Netanyahu cannot fully function as a wartime prime minister while testifying on trial, a large majority of Israelis think Trump will prioritize Israel's security, and a clear majority (61%) think the main reason behind the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants is the Court's longstanding anti-Israel bias.

A new bill proposes to amend Basic Law: The Knesset, by expanding the criteria that would disqualify candidates and lists from participating in elections based on minimal and even past expressions, interpreted as sympathy or support for armed struggle of an enemy state or terrorist organization. 

The ICC's unprecedented arrest warrants against leaders of a democratic state carry severe and far-reaching consequences, yet Israel still has far-reaching options to mitigate the damage. 

Expectations for the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan were low from the outset, and indeed, it concluded on a muted note. Nevertheless, where heads of state stall in their efforts, an Israeli initiative for regional collaboration offers a glimmer of optimism.

Yohanan Plesner, President of IDI, spoke with CNN's Max Foster as a ceasefire agreement came into force earlier this morning.

The proposed "Public Committee of Inquiry," for investigating the events of October 7th and its aftermath, is an attempt to circumvent the existing framework for such investigations and is unlikely to gain public trust.

On November 21, 2024, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued four decisions. These deal with various legal matters arising out of the Prosecutor’s May 20 request to issue arrest warrants as part of his ongoing investigation of the Situation in Palestine, in the context of the War in Gaza.

Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in the shadow of war, women in Israel face increasingly precarious circumstances as the destabilization of society alongside an increase in weapons distribution threaten their safety. To counter this trend, government policy must recognize this growing threat and place the issue of gender equality among the top national priorities. 

Israel will likely not succeed in forcing the Court to annul its orders, and attempting to do so will make it even harder for its allies to support it. Instead, it can conduct an independent and effective investigation, avoiding problematic statements, and adhere to the laws of armed conflict.

The Israel Democracy Institute's annual Security and Democracy Conference—taking place in the thick of Israel’s longest conflict since its War of Independence—focused on the key challenges Israel faces as a democracy contending with complex internal and external security threats.

A special survey assessing public opinion on matters of national security, presented at IDI's annual conference on Security and Democracy. The survey found support for a mandatory draft, and significant economic penalties for those who do not serve.

Physical reconstruction and addressing emergency needs are helpful, but to really make a difference post-Oct. 7 donors should focus on improving Israeli governance and civil society

The Center for Security and Democracy and the Viterbi Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel and personal security—the present release focuses on internal security; a press release will follow tomorrow focusing on national security.

The recently proposed bill runs counter to accepted budgeting principles and undermines the autonomy of local governance. 

After more than a year of fighting on various fronts, it can now be clearly stated that Arab localities in Israel are suffering from a lack of protective structures. In order to meet its responsibilities toward the residents of Arab localities, the state must provide protective structures—immediately, and without delay.

Israelis are deeply divided on how to move forward in the conflict in Lebanon. While 54% of Jewish Israelis support continued fighting against Hezbollah, 88% of Arab Israelis are in favor of pursuing a diplomatic solution.

At first glance, the dismissal of Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant is not unprecedented – prime ministers hold authority to fire ministers, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has done so in the past. However, the circumstances surrounding the current dismissal are especially intense.