Political Systems and Civil-Military Dynamics in Israel – Prelims Specific

Introduction

The increasing transition of former military commanders into Israeli politics is a critical trend for understanding West Asian governance. In Israel, the high prestige of the military establishment often positions retired officers as key political figures, directly impacting the nation's parliamentary dynamics and security-focused policy framework.

Why in News?

• The political involvement of Gadi Eisenkot, former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), reflects the ongoing realignment of Israel's political spectrum.
• This trend is part of a broader discourse on the role of military professionals in civilian governance and their strategy to challenge long-standing political incumbents.

Static Link

• The topic relates to International Relations, specifically the political systems of West Asian nations.
• Israel functions as a parliamentary democracy. UPSC often tests knowledge of foreign political systems, especially those with unique electoral mechanisms like proportional representation and coalition-heavy parliaments.
• The concept of Civil-Military relations is a vital theme in both World History and Political Science.

Institutional Link

• Israel Defence Forces (IDF): The unified military force of Israel. The Chief of Staff is the highest-ranking officer, appointed by the government.
• The Knesset: The unicameral national legislature of Israel. It is the sole legislative body of the state and holds the power to vote in the government.
• Role of the President: In Israel, the President is a largely ceremonial head of state, while executive power resides with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

Core Prelims Facts

• Israel uses a proportional representation system, where the entire country acts as a single constituency.
• The electoral threshold for a party to enter the Knesset is 3.25 percent of the total valid votes.
• Coalition governments are the norm in Israel due to the highly fragmented nature of the party system.

Important Terms and Concepts

• Proportional Representation: An electoral system where parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.
• Knesset: Israel’s legislative body, which has 120 members.
• Chief of Staff (IDF): The commander-in-chief of the military forces, who serves under the civilian authority of the government.

Bodies / Organisations / Institutions

• Israel Defence Forces (IDF): Responsible for the defense of Israel's sovereignty and regional security.
• The Knesset: The democratic forum where national policy and coalition stability are determined.

Schemes / Laws / Reports / Conventions

• Basic Laws: Israel does not have a formal written constitution; instead, it has a series of "Basic Laws" that function as a constitutional framework.

Possible UPSC Prelims Traps

• Trap: Assuming the Israeli President exercises the same executive power as the US President. Reality: Israel's President is ceremonial; the Prime Minister holds executive power.
• Trap: Confusing Israel’s electoral system with the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system used in India. Israel uses proportional representation.
• Trap: Believing the IDF Chief of Staff automatically leads the government. They must be elected to the Knesset like any other civilian.

One-Minute Revision Notes

• Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral legislature (Knesset).
• Israel lacks a single codified constitution, relying on Basic Laws.
• Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister, not the President.
• Proportional representation necessitates coalition governments.
• The military (IDF) is a central institution in Israeli society, often serving as a gateway for political leadership.

Practice MCQ for Prelims

1. Consider the following statements regarding the political system of Israel:

1. The country has a formal written constitution similar to that of the United States.

2. The President is the head of state with real executive authority over the military.

3. The Knesset is the legislative body where seats are allocated through a proportional representation system.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation: Israel does not have a formal written constitution (it uses Basic Laws). The President is a ceremonial head of state, and executive power lies with the Prime Minister. Statement 3 is correct as Israel follows a proportional representation system.