Israelis divided over government's power expansion efforts

Israel is experiencing renewed internal conflicts as it continues to fight on multiple fronts. For many months, Israelis united against a common enemy following a major attack by Hamas. However, that unity has now faded. The country is currently engaged in conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Yemen. At the same time, there is growing tension within Israel itself. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is pushing for more control over various state institutions. This has sparked significant protests, especially after attempts to remove key officials overseeing investigations into Netanyahu and his aides. This week, the Israeli Parliament will vote on a plan that would allow the government to have more power in choosing judges for the Supreme Court. Netanyahu and his supporters claim this is necessary to limit the influence of unelected officials. However, critics fear these actions threaten democracy and could lead to serious unrest. Ehud Olmert, a former Israeli prime minister, warned that the situation is dangerous. He expressed concerns that the foundations of the state are weakening and that the country is closer to a civil war than many realize. The atmosphere of anger and division has never felt so intense, both within Israel and internationally.