Current sectionOpinionShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeA protest outside a hearing in Netanyahu's trial in Tel Aviv last year. Israeli society is gradually losing its decency. What methods may an opposition leader employ in order to fight this reality? Credit: Tomer AppelbaumThe demand for moral purity suits ordinary times. To save Israel's democracy, it may be necessary to support even an unscrupulous leader10:51 PM • May 22 2026 IDTIn recent years, Israel has descended into a deep moral and democratic crisis. Expressions of racism and incitement against Arab citizens are no longer confined to the margins, but receive legitimacy from leading political leaders. Nationalist violence in the occupied territories and looting in Lebanon are met with indifference or weak condemnation from the public opinion and from politicians. In Gaza, a war marked by massive killing and destruction has unfolded – and continues to unfold – without sufficient public scrutiny. At the same time, the democratic institutions meant to provide checks and balances – the judiciary, law enforcement bodies and the media – are under growing attack and politicization, while public discourse has eroded into propaganda, vilification and distraction.In the NewsA Reckless Leader May Be What Israel Needs Right NowArgentine Official Who Probed Death of AMIA Prosecutor Charged With Cover-upGaza Board of Peace Envoy: Israel to Enact Trump's Plan After Hamas DisarmsHunter Biden and Candace Owens Trade Conspiracies on Israel, the 'Epstein Class''Dressed as non-Muslim': Palestinian Star Elyanna Sparks Acclaim and ControversyRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIICC Prosecutor Seeks Warrants for Ben-Gvir, Smotrich, Other Israeli OfficialsBen-Gvir Posts Video of Police Dragging Detained Gaza Flotilla ActivistsThe Most Consequential Republican Primary for Israel Is Happening in KentuckyIsraeli Settler Filmed Abusing Palestinian-owned Dog in West BankUnmoved by Trump's Ticking Clock, Iran Forms a New Reality in the Persian Gulf`World Leaders Summon Israeli Envoys Over Ben-Gvir Gaza Flotilla Activists Video