From Illiberal Legislation to Intolerant Democracy

Abstract

Democracy is not just about free and fair elections. It requires at least some minimal substantial guarantees, such as freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, that formulate and enable free choice of autonomous and equal agents. These notions are well founded in Israeli constitutional law, but in recent years it seems that this basic understanding of the democratic process is weakening, especially as reflected in the actions of the Knesset. Several recent examples of Knesset legislation processes suggest that Israeli democratic culture is being eroded, as some of democracy's fundamental notions are abandoned in favor of national-chauvinism and intolerance.

Keywords: Democracy, constitutional pronciples, separation of power, human rights, minorities, Israel, politics, democratic culture

JEL Classification: k00, k40, k42, z18