Warnings of Israel's slide into civil war amid escalating polarization and attacks on the judiciary

Political and security circles in the occupation state are experiencing a growing state of anxiety, as acknowledgments escalate that society is gradually sliding towards a deep abyss. These indicators are evident in the repeated attacks on judges, which have been accompanied by waves of incitement and insults that reflect the depth of internal division.

The incident of a right-wing activist blocking the car of former Supreme Court President, Professor Aharon Barak, sparked widespread reactions in academic circles. Observers considered this behavior a dangerous shift from the language of political persuasion to methods of intimidation and overt thuggery against symbols of the judiciary.

Historian Eran Shalev believes that what contemporary Israel is witnessing is a sharp division between political and societal camps, reaching a stage where reconciliation between the warring parties is difficult. He explained that the recent verbal assaults revealed an emotional and political chasm separating the components of society in an unprecedented way.

What further intensified the shock in the Israeli street was the state of jubilation that prevailed on social media platforms among far-right activists following the attack on judges. This celebration reflects an unbridled desire to undermine the existing political system and challenge institutions that were previously considered red lines.

Sources indicated that the absence of official condemnation by members of the right-wing government coalition for these incidents gives them implicit legitimacy and increases their danger. This political silence is interpreted as an acceptance of the erosion of the basic rules upon which the state was built, which accelerates the pace of internal collapse.

Experts warned that civil wars do not erupt suddenly through armed confrontations, but rather begin with the disintegration of national consensus around the legitimacy of central institutions. When a large segment of the public views the court or security agencies as illegitimate entities, this paves the way for widespread chaos.

Israeli society is currently experiencing extreme difficulty in absorbing fundamental discussions about the budget or security policies due to a lack of mutual trust. Political opponents have transformed in each other's eyes into enemies threatening the state's existence, eliminating any space for rational dialogue.

Accusations against the heads of security agencies are increasing, claiming they represent the so-called 'deep state,' a term used by the far-right to demonize sovereign institutions. This systematic incitement weakens the ability of these agencies to perform their duties in an environment characterized by internal hostility.

Israel's survival has historically been linked to the concept of internal solidarity and unity in the face of external challenges, but this concept is now threatened with extinction. The perception that there is a unity of purpose that unites Israelis despite their different backgrounds has begun to fade in the face of narrow partisan interests and ideological polarization.

Analysts hold Justice Minister Yariv Levin largely responsible for accelerating these destructive processes since he announced the judicial overhaul plan in early 2023. This initiative was not merely a legislative change, but a powerful shock that shook the foundations of the fragile social partnership among Israelis.

Limiting oneself to accusing the left and continuously attacking public figures and journalists is a stark indicator of the disintegration of the social fabric. These practices contribute to dividing society into extremist camps that do not accept coexistence with others, placing the state before an existential test.

Reports confirm that the current leadership bears direct responsibility for ensuring that matters do not slide into a comprehensive civil confrontation. The absence of responsible leadership that seeks to calm spirits and prioritize the public interest increases the chances of an explosion at any moment under street pressure.

The fears of 'the abyss' are no longer mere theoretical analyses, but have become a reality that Israelis feel in their daily lives and political interactions. The erosion of democratic 'rules of the game' means that the decisive moment may shift from ballot boxes and courts to the streets and direct confrontations.

Ultimately, it seems that Israel faces a deep identity crisis that goes beyond disagreements over laws to the core of the social contract. If the situation is not remedied through a comprehensive review of political discourse, the specter of civil war will continue to haunt the future of the Hebrew state.

Civil wars do not begin with armed battles, but when large segments of society stop recognizing the legitimacy of state institutions and their political opponents.