THE IMPACT OF DEEP SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND POLITICAL STRUCTURES ON THE STABILITY OF DEMOCRACY IN ISRAEL

Abstract

This article examines the impact of Israel’s deep social, cultural, and political structures on the stability of its democracy. The central claim is that Israel’s current political and constitutional crisis cannot be understood solely through short-term developments—such as repeated elections, unstable coalitions, or judicial reform—but must be analyzed in light of the long-standing contradictions embedded in the state’s identity. To frame this analysis, the article draws on the metaphor of the “three-body problem” from chaos theory, which describes a system that cannot reach equilibrium when pulled by three competing forces.

The article identifies three main centers of gravity: Israel as a Jewish nation-state, Israel as a liberal democracy, and the rise of identity politics. These forces clash constantly: the Jewish national component emphasizes collective belonging and religious tradition; the liberal democratic component prioritizes individual rights, equality, and the rule of law; while identity politics fragments society into competing groups demanding separate recognition.

The analysis shows that the interplay of these elements produces structural instability, weakens democratic institutions, and prevents long-term equilibrium. The conclusion is that as long as these three centers coexist without resolution, Israeli democracy will remain fragile and subject to ongoing erosion.