Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel reached an agreement with the radical Israeli political party, Otzma Yehudit. In this deal, Netanyahu promises political access and backing in exchange for their support in the upcoming election. Though a seemingly insignificant trade, the agreement appears extremely insulting to his broad base of international support. Since Otzma Yehudit promotes extreme rhetoric of hate and violence against Palestinians, the Prime Minister’s actions distance him from much-needed backing in the United States, which shows in recent accounts from Jewish-American organizations and pro-Israel politicians. Following investigations into alleged corruption accusations, Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announces the potential indictment of Prime Minister Netanyahu, which further brings his character into question.

Though Prime Minister Netanyahu repeatedly labeled the investigation a “witch hunt”, legal officials disclosed surmounting evidence to be used against him in an upcoming prosecution. Recently, the Prime Minister also publically cautioned, “A Palestinian state would endanger our existence.” Paired together, these events noticeably distressed his Western constituents. Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin of Temple Solel in Florida, interprets the Prime Minister’s behavior as a “slap in the face to American Jews.” Additionally, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee declared, “The views of Otzma Yehudit are reprehensible. They do not reflect the core values that are the very foundation of the State of Israel.”

The president of the Israel Democracy Institute, Yohanan Plesner, worries about the implications of Netanyahu’s actions on the future of Israeli democracy. President Plesner states, “There’s a difference between a racist party entering the Knesset — the fringes of Israeli democracy can unfortunately contain such elements — and their being encouraged by the Prime Minister.”

Therefore, various supporters rightfully request immediate action on behalf of the Israeli government. Just as other countries are condemned for the mistreatment of marginalized groups, international actors should hold Israel accountable. First, Israel cannot possibly proclaim a democratic system of government while violently disregarding the rights of a few. Moreover, how could Israel possibly demand that neighboring countries succumb to a regional acceptance of peaceful democracy? Instead of complicity abetting this conflict, the United States- and others- should denounce Netanyahu’s anti-Palestinian affiliations and mandate peaceful negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian administrations.

For years, this racially-induced tension between the two groups has fueled the country’s ongoing internal conflict. Since the 1940s, Israeli Jews and Palestinian Arabs contended for their rightful claim to what was once Palestine- but now Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. However, the most recent escalation of this military struggle began in 2006, pitting the Hamas against the Israeli government. From then, both regimes performed several horrifically violent deeds against one another. During this period, the United States and other nations attempted to back the Israeli government in bringing an end to this conflict.   Afterwards, these foreign allies hoped to sponsor the triumphant Netanyahu administration as the facilitator of general political peace and economic harmony in the surrounding region. However, this pursuit becomes difficult when the same administration appears stained with potential crimes of war, racism, and misuse of power.

Perhaps, Israel’s partners might consider another stable candidate in their mission for regional coherence. Instead of exhibiting unnecessary violence as a solution, that candidate would instead endorse a quick and peaceful settlement of territory with Palestinian spokespersons. Truthfully, Palestinians likewise deserve an established, protected residence to exercise their own sovereignty. For, Israel to become a figurehead of peace in the region, the nation must first prove its worthiness. This process surely begins with assuming accountability in these instances, in order to substantiate its democracy. Separately, this demand is neither anti-Israel nor anti-semitic. Instead, it befits an appeal for the preservation of the republic and humanitarian compassion for Palestinians- acknowledging the humanity and autonomy of both groups. For in this instance, Prime Minister Netanyahu might be displaying behavior that risks dismantling Israel’s own stability, and also the region’s.