Israel’s Standing in Democracy and Freedom of Speech: A Closer Examination

Introduction

The question often posed: If Israel is a democracy, then why is it ranked 93rd out of 100 countries in freedom of speech according to Reporters Without Borders? This article delves into the complexities and contradictions of Israel's democratic status, exploring the broader issues of freedom of speech and the potential limitations faced by its citizens and residents.

Freedom of Speech in Israel: A Vague Landscape

Israel's self-proclaimed status as a democracy is often questioned due to its ranking in freedom of speech. According to Reporters Without Borders, Israel is ranked 93rd out of 100 countries. This ranking draws attention to the disparities in how freedom of speech is implemented in different contexts within the country. It raises the question of whether true freedom of speech exists for all segments of Israeli society.

The phrase 'It is a true democracy for white Jews. Others behind the wall or darker in shade do not matter' highlights the systemic biases and exclusions within the Israeli political structure. This sentiment indicates that while freedom of speech may be officially preserved, it is not accessible to all. This selective enforcement perpetuates a system where certain voices are privileged, while others are marginalized.

Protecting Unfavorable Speech

The limitations on freedom of speech in Israel are not limited to public discourse. Individuals and groups can face severe consequences for expressing opinions that are critical of the government or its actions. For example, calling a nine-year-old Palestinian boy terrorist or referring to them as 'human animals' can lead to legal and social repercussions. These actions are justified as a way to maintain order and nationalistic fervor, but they severely undermine the principle of free expression.

The limitations extend to online platforms as well. Influencers and social media users have faced censorship and investigations for content that highlights the conditions in Gaza Strip or criticizes the actions of the Israeli military. This surveillance has created a chilling effect, where individuals are hesitant to express their opinions for fear of repercussions.

Israel’s Global Ranking in Democracy and Press Freedom

Despite the issues with freedom of speech, Israel is ranked 23rd in the democracy index by the Economist Intelligence Unit. This ranking is higher than the US at 26th. However, it is important to note that this ranking does not necessarily reflect the actual state of democracy within the country. The democracy index includes various factors such as electoral process, political participation, and civil liberties. While these factors may be well-constructed, they do not fully capture the complexities of a pluralistic society.

The report also highlights that Israel is the only country in the Middle East and North Africa with a score below 100, with the exception of Morocco at 95 and Tunisia at 75. This difference in scores underscores the inconsistencies in how democracy is perceived and practiced across different regions. In the case of Israel, the discrepancies between its self-proclaimed democratic status and its global ranking in press freedom suggest a need for a more nuanced understanding of its democratic practices.

Isolating the Roles of Democracy and Freedom of Speech

The confusion between democracy and freedom of speech is a common misconception. While Israel may have a well-functioning parliamentary democracy, the actual exercise of free speech is not as broad and inclusive as it should be. On the one hand, there is a democratic structure with regular elections and a parliament. On the other hand, there are significant constraints on individual and media freedom.

The 2021 World Press Freedom Index places Israel at 27th, but this does not align with the views of many within the country. The Israeli news media is predominantly right-wing, and expressing views that criticize the government or its actions can lead to severe consequences. This reality shows that while the democratic regime is in place, the freedom to express diverse viewpoints is severely limited.

Conclusion

The complexities of Israel's democratic status highlight the need for a more comprehensive and critical examination of both democracy and freedom of speech. While the country operates under a parliamentary system and has regular elections, these democratic processes are not always inclusive or transparent. The limitations on freedom of speech and the selective enforcement of laws and regulations further undermine the democratic ideals.

It is crucial to recognize that true democracy requires not just a formal structure but an active and unrestricted participation of all citizens. The challenges faced by individuals and media in Israel underscore the need for ongoing reforms and efforts to ensure that all voices are heard and valued.