Ira Sharkansky
Sharkansksy is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. He may be contacted via ira.sharkansky@sdjewishworld.com
Close to a Tied Score on Judicial Reform Protests
JERUSALEM — There were 150,000 Israelis demonstrating in support of judicial reform. That’s about as big of a crowd as provided by opponents.
So it’s close to a tied score.
Right-wing extremists are excited. Yari Levin,...
A Shaky Government in Israel
Minister of Finance, with some power over defense, Bezalel Smotrich, has inspired anger from American and other foreign officials, for his call about destroying the Arab settlement where two Jews were murdered.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, the...
Confusion Surrounding Creation of Netanyahu’s Government
JERUSALEM — I’m confused.
Among other things, about the creation of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
We hear of several promises. From Bibi, they are worth as much as a wet tissue. Itamar Ben-Gvir expects to be Minister...
Joe Biden and His Visit to Israel
He’s 79, eligible for residence in our retirement village. But still active. A resident of Delaware, and a U.S. senator then vice president since 1973. Israeli politicians are claiming that he’s visited Israel more...
Lapid new PM, Netanyahu First in Poll as Biden Visit Approaches
Yair Lapid has become our Prime Minister, at least until the election results in November.
It’s been a long haul, with Lapid demonstrating resolve and a willingness to defer. His coupling with Bennett, whose party...
Where in the World Are the Jewish People?
The Jewish people: Where are we? Where are we going? How do our numbers of those moving compare with other countries?
Jews move. We always have done so. We hear complaints of here and there,...
Cracks in Israel’s Government Coalition, Opposition
Some instances from the beginning of Israel’s new government:
Likud has picked on a law of family reunification in order to embarrass, and perhaps defeat the Bennett-Lapid government. It’s a law that prevents Palestinians, who...
Even Without Bibi, Israeli Politics Will Be Muddled
Yair Lapid has a few days left in his mandate. Possibilities exist, commentators bet against him a few days ago. Now not so sure..
Naftali Bennett has decided against Netanyahu, and Bibi has responded with...
Is it the end of Bibi’s era?
Is Bibi finished?
Not yet, but the signs indicate that his end may be near.
He’s had a long run. He served as Prime Minister during 1996-99, and again from 2009 to the present. That makes...
Israeli Election Analysis at the Seder Table
As the Passover holiday came upon us, we tried to put aside politics for a family celebration. There were two children, plus spouses, and six grandchildren at our Seder. Unsurprisingly, the talk was more...