As Israel approaches its general elections scheduled for October 27, concerns about the state of its democracy have intensified amid a series of government actions perceived as undermining civil liberties and the rule of law. Over recent weeks, multiple incidents have highlighted what critics describe as an increasing illiberal trend under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
Among the developments, two foreign journalists—one from Germany and the other from Italy—were denied entry visas to cover the elections, with no official justification provided. In a related move, the aliyah process for two young left-wing Jewish immigrants was abruptly suspended. This decision drew sharp criticism from Labor Party lawmaker Gilad Kariv, who labeled it as contradicting foundational Zionist principles. These measures follow the earlier expulsion of two Jewish women activists who support Palestinians, both banned from re-entering Israel for ten years.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has also targeted a controversial documentary titled *NAZI4*, which features anonymous testimonies of Israeli soldiers. He has pledged to identify and prosecute the soldiers who appeared anonymously in the film and has called for revoking the citizenship of its directors. While the documentary’s analogy to the Holocaust has sparked debate, Netanyahu’s targeting of its participants has raised concerns about intimidation tactics aimed at deterring dissenting voices.
Observers suggest that these actions may be less about the individuals affected and more about cultivating an atmosphere of fear among left-wing activists, journalists, and prospective immigrants who might criticize or oppose government policies. Such tactics, frequently found in authoritarian regimes, are seen by critics as part of a broader populist strategy employed by Netanyahu, who has framed Israel as a “besieged fortress” to rally electoral support while dismissing critics as hostile elements.
The tense political climate extends beyond government actions. Far-right activists, sometimes linked to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have disrupted events held by opposition figures such as Yair Golan’s Democrats party. These confrontations range from public meeting disruptions to aggressive leaflet campaigns, with some observers noting parallels to the violence faced by Palestinians in the West Bank. Critics accuse Israeli authorities of tolerating these acts with relative impunity.
Heightening the stakes, the ruling Likud party has pushed efforts to restrict voting by expatriates, campaigned to ban Arab parties from the election, and floated threats of pre-election strikes on Iran, moves that could imperil the electoral process. Likud has also raised allegations of foreign interference in the elections to cast doubt on their legitimacy. Opposition leaders have expressed concern that Netanyahu might refuse to accept unfavorable election results, drawing a comparison to the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. presidential election and the January 6 Capitol riot. Netanyahu has received an endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump, further fueling speculation about potential post-election instability.
Netanyahu’s perceived fear of losing power is seen by some as driving his increasingly unpredictable and confrontational behavior. His past remarks indicate a longstanding anxiety toward political rivals, the judiciary, and electoral outcomes. As the election day nears, Israel faces a critical juncture that will test the resilience of its democratic institutions amid rising internal divisions and external pressures.
Despite these challenges, Israel’s record of conducting elections without dispute remains intact, even in the context of ongoing security threats and regional instability. The coming election and its aftermath will be closely watched as an indicator of the country’s democratic trajectory in a time of heightened political polarization.