The Most Radical Government in Israel’s History: Did the Public Really Want This?

On December 29, 2022, Israel inaugurated a government marked by radical shifts and controlled by right-wing parties, following prolonged electoral processes. This government, distinguished by extreme ideologies and controversial ministerial appointments, expressed intentions to dismantle the established system of checks and balances. This chapter demonstrates that the government's radical agenda, particularly its attempts to drastically curtail the judiciary's powers, was misaligned with the electorate's primary concerns, and was never declared as its main electoral promise. Analyzing election results and public opinion polls, this chapter argues that the electorate did not seek a drastic transformation of governance. Nevertheless, the government that formed following the 2022 elections operates under a guise of “pseudo-conservatism” to promote revolutionary changes that do not necessarily reflect the voters’ will. The chapter suggests that this government's actions are more reflective of its leaders’ personal and ideological motivations than a direct mandate from their constituents, contributing to a growing dissonance between government actions and public expectations.