Interview Preparation

Israel is a country that has fought for its existence and survival since day 1.

Having fought in multiple wars and living with constant threats, Israelis are now in a fierce battle for their democracy. This battle is not fought with tanks or guns, but with the power of unity, protest and the determination to protect the very essence of your nation.

Last week, hundreds of thousands took to the streets across the country in response to the passage by the Netanyahu government, and in a first reading in the Knesset, of the “reasonableness bill,” which will severely restrict judicial review of decisions made by the cabinet, government ministers, and other elected officials.

The bill is part of a contentious legislative package introduced by the hardline Netanyahu coalition that aims to radically reform Israel’s independent judiciary and rein in checks and balances on political power. This week, the government plans to bring the bill up for a final vote.

And our unequivocal answer is, “NO”.

We in the JVP and the entire Israeli hi-tech sector, whose members came out en masse to protest, along with doctors, teachers, members of the military reserves, pilots, special forces units and people from all walks of life, say no to dictatorship and yes to democracy.

In addition to their contributions to Israel’s economy, the tech community recognizes the critical role that democracy and social openness play in fostering innovation, invention, and creativity. These values ​​are the very foundation of the national spirit that drives the country’s success on the world stage. As a result, the high-tech sector has joined forces with other industries to stand united in upholding the democratic principles that have allowed Israel to prosper.

We refuse to allow our hard-fought freedoms to be undermined by a government that seeks to consolidate power and erode the principles that have made Israel a model of democracy in the region.

What Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has found in many of us are warriors. Just as we have been warriors on the front lines, we are also warriors in this battle for democracy. We understand that the strength of a nation lies not only in its military might but also in its commitment to defend the values ​​of justice, equality and freedom. We will not stand idly by while these values ​​are threatened.

With the massive demonstrations last week and more protests planned for this week, Israelis of the center, the left and the moderate right send a powerful message to Netanyahu and his far-right associates: the judicial reform that he and they are trying to lead is unacceptable and will not be allowed to happen. We refuse to allow Israel to slide down the dangerous path of illiberal governance seen in countries like Poland and Hungary. The strength of our country lies in its vibrant democracy, where the rule of law prevails and the rights of all citizens are protected.

In a country with such strong social ties and with so many people who have sacrificed and paid heavy prices, we cannot allow this government to take over the judicial system and transform Israel from a proud, hard-won liberal democracy into something we no longer recognize.

For Israelis, democracy and social openness are the fundamental conditions for innovation, invention and creativity. It is our national spirit.

The collective determination to uphold democratic principles reflects deep social ties and the belief that preserving democracy is vital to the nation’s continued success and prosperity.

Technology and innovation, for JVP and many in hi-tech and other industries, have been instrumental in fostering cooperation and partnerships with other technology and business ecosystems, not only in the US, Europe and Asia, but also in the Middle East. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan have become allies in the pursuit of technological progress and economic growth.

We cannot allow everything we have built to be destroyed by a government that seeks to damage Israel’s independent judiciary, a cornerstone of all democracy. The high-tech sector, along with other industries, stands united in its commitment to safeguarding the democratic values ​​that have fueled Israel’s success on the world stage.

Just as they have been warriors on the front lines of technological advancement, now they are warriors in the fight to protect the democratic soul of their nation. The determination to overcome this existential crisis and uphold the core values ​​that define Israel’s identity and strength is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Israeli people. This pivotal moment calls for a resolute stance on the values ​​that have shaped the country’s history, and will shape its future.

We’re going to get through this, and the people who are trying to derail democracy today will be gone tomorrow. Often, in the history of countries, there are key moments of real existential crisis that demand answers about values.

For Israel, this is one of those moments.