Save Israeli Democracy

Petition addressed to: Committee on Petitions (Petitionsausschuß)

H.E. Madame Roberta Metsola,President of the European Parliament,H.E. Madame Ursula von der Leyen,President of the European CommissionH.E. Mister Josep Borrell Fontelles,High Representative for Foreign Policy, Vice President of the European CommissionWe, the undersigned Israeli citizens living in Europe, dual citizens of Israel and the EU, members of Jewish communities across Europe, and EU citizens who care about Israel, democracy and the rule of law - are collectively alarmed by the ongoing judicial coup in Israel and its potential impact on EU-Israeli relations.We cherish the long-standing relationship between the European Union and Israel, based on shared liberal democratic values, mutual respect, and strong economic, cultural, and scientific ties - as they are enshrined in the Israel - EU Association Agreement. We believe that this relationship is vital for both Israel and the EU, and that it should be preserved and strengthened for the benefit of both sides. We celebrate that “…the observance of human rights and democracy, [...] form the very basis of the Association [Agreement]”. However, we are deeply concerned that the ongoing legislation blitz by the Israeli government might have devastating impacts on this cherished relationship. The new bills, which are being passed with unprecedented pace and without any public consultation nor wide agreement - are designed to empty Israel's judiciary from powers, undermine its independence, and hinder the constitutional checks and balances on current and future government. The independence of the judiciary is the only existing check on potential tyranny of the majority in parliament as Israel has neither a constitution nor a bi-cameral legislature. Several bills have already passed a first of three required votes in the Israeli Knesset, despite intense and unprecedented protests across a broad spectrum of political views in Israel, backed by polls showing only 25 percent of the public supports the bills. According to the vast majority of respected civil society organisations and acclaimed international scholars and experts, the completion of this legislation blitz would mean Israel will cease to be a democracy.Undermining Israel’s democratic institutions is highly likely to have a devastating effect on fundamental freedoms and rights: human rights, Arab minority rights, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights, freedom of speech, assembly, press, religion, etc. These pillars of democracy, although at times interpreted differently, have always been a common ground between Israel and the EU. We fear that undermining EU-Israel shared values might erode these special relations. We urge the EU to make explicit to the Israeli government and its people the potential implications of this reform to the EU-Israeli relations and the impact it may have on the Israeli economy, research, and culture; and to call upon it to uphold its democratic values and institutions. Beyond the effect on Israeli citizens, diminishing the power of the judiciary system will have a dire impact on the Palestinians living in the West Bank (under Israeli military rule) and to some extent Gaza. Furthermore, a non democratic Israel will mean a more non-restrained regime, which could destabilise the entire region, causing more friction, armed conflict, and refugees in a region, which is already fraught with crisis. A destabilised Middle East could impact EU energy security and prices; disturbing regional cooperation, supply chains and transportation to the EU, and above all, increase human suffering. Europe is rightly proud of its liberal democratic model, one which is an inspiration for billions of people around the world. Yet, it has already seen the backsliding of democracy even among its Member States. Both Hungary and Poland went through a similar process of weakening their judiciaries, therefore weakening their democratic checks and balances. Only the de-democratisation process which took years in Hungary and Poland, is being done at an accelerated pace in Israel, expected to be completed in two short months, to be concluded in March 2023.Europe can therefore not afford to see yet another Western democracy fall, let alone in its immediate neighborhood. The demise of Israel's democracy could create a domino effect, pushing other countries along a similar route.We are calling on EU decision makers to speak up now, before it is too late. Time is of the essence — the final votes on this systemic coup are expected within weeks amidst a rapid escalation of violence between Israelis and Palestinians — do not wait until the legislation is complete before you make yourselves heard. The common European market is Israel's largest trading partner. Horizon Europe is by far Israel's largest research innovation fund. The Creative Europe MEDIA programme is largely enjoyed by Israeli artistic institutions. These are strong tools in your hands to make your voices heard and listened to.