"There's Only One Way to Deal With Power-hungry Bullies Like Netanyahu and His Fundamentalist Partners" Dahlia Scheindlin. Haaretz. Key Points.

Article by Dahlia Scheindlin

Title: "There's Only One Way to Deal With Power-hungry Bullies Like Netanyahu and His Fundamentalist Partners"

Published: March 28, 2025 , in Haaretz .

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Detailed Overview of the Article

1. Core Argument: Netanyahu’s Authoritarian Power Grab.

- Scheindlin critiques Netanyahu’s latest move to control Israel’s judiciary through a Knesset amendment to a Basic Law, effectively politicizing judicial appointments

- She compares Netanyahu’s tactics to bullying, arguing that his government rejects compromise and seeks total dominance over democratic institutions .

2. Key Points:

- Judicial Takeover: The amendment bypasses checks and balances, allowing Netanyahu’s coalition to handpick judges—a step toward autocratic rule .

- Failed Dialogue: Scheindlin recounts a failed attempt at negotiation, illustrating how Netanyahu’s government dismisses opposition and silences dissent .

- Broader Threat: The erosion of judicial independence endangers democracy not just for Israelis but also reinforces authoritarian policies in the occupied territories .

3. Historical Context:

- Links this power grab to Netanyahu’s long-standing efforts to weaken the judiciary (e.g., 2023 judicial coup attempts) .

- Highlights parallels with global authoritarian trends, where leaders dismantle democratic safeguards .

4. Political Implications:

- Domestic: Further polarizes Israeli society, deepening the rift between secular liberals and far-right religious factions .

- International: Risks isolating Israel as democratic backsliding draws global condemnation .

5. Scheindlin’s Conclusion:

- No Room for Compromise: Netanyahu’s government operates like a "gang" that only understands force or resistance .

- Call to Action: Urges civil society and opposition parties to mobilize against this democratic erosion .

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Additional Context from Scheindlin’s Recent Work

- In a March 2025 Guardian piece, she argues that Netanyahu’s policies in Gaza and the West Bank are driven by territorial expansionism, not security .

- A January 2025 Time essay critiques Israel’s failed ceasefire negotiations, blaming Netanyahu’s refusal to engage politically with Hamas .

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Why This Matters

Scheindlin’s analysis underscores a critical juncture for Israel:

- Democracy vs. Autocracy: The judiciary’s capture signals a point of no return for Israeli governance .

- Global Repercussions: Weakens Israel’s moral standing amid ongoing conflicts .

For the full article, see: [Haaretz](https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2025-03-28/ty-article/.premium/the-way-to-deal-with-power-hungry-bullies-like-netanyahu-and-his-fundamentalist-partners/00000195-dbd4-d1f1-a7d5-fbf465a10000) .

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