ASSESSMENTS

Gaza Tensions Unleash Israel’s Far-Right

May 14, 2021 | 21:28 GMT

An Israeli far-right extremist walks in the street following clashes in the mixed Arab-Jewish city of Lod on May 13, 2021.

An Israeli far-right extremist walks in the street following clashes in the mixed Arab-Jewish city of Lod on May 13, 2021.

(OREN ZIV/AFP via Getty Images)

Widespread riots throughout Israel amid the ongoing violence in Gaza reveal an emboldened Jewish far-right that could radicalize the country’s politics, prolong its political paralysis and raise reputational risks for companies doing business in Israel. The latest flare-up between Israel and Gazan militants have caused tensions to skyrocket between Arab Israelis and far-right Jews, resulting in riots that began in the community of Lod on May 10 that have since spread nationwide to Nazareth, Acre, Tiberias, Jerusalem and Haifa, as well as several Tel Aviv suburbs. The riots saw widespread looting and intercommunal attacks, overwhelming police forces. Every political party in Israel’s sitting Knesset, including far-right Religious Zionism and Islamist Ra’am, condemned the violence and called for peace. But as of May 14, the riots still show no signs of stopping and will likely continue through the duration of the Gaza conflict. ...

Keep Reading

Register to read three free articles

Proceed to sign up

Register Now

Already have an account?

Sign In