Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
07 August 2023 | 11:16am SAST
2 min read

The Palestine Report with Moulana Ebrahim Moosa on Radio Islam International covered the topic of discussions in Israel about having contingency plans in case of a governance crisis in the country. During the report, attention was also drawn to an unnoticed and unopposed amendment to the Village Committees Law, which was quietly passed during the last week of July in Israel. Additionally, the report focused on the Zambian President’s visit to Israel, followed by the Patriotic Alliance leader’s visit to the country.

In Jerusalem, Israeli officials gather to discuss contingency plans amid governance concerns

In response to growing fears of a potential collapse of governance in Israel, 100 former senior officials from the Israeli army and security establishment recently held an emergency conference. The attendees, including personnel from Israeli intelligence agencies, Mossad, Shin Bet, police, and major generals, brigadier generals, and senior commanders, discussed strategies to safeguard critical institutions such as the Israeli Supreme Court, the army, and the police in case of a regime breakdown.

At the heart of the discussions is a looming judicial crisis, where the possible annulment of government decisions by the Supreme Court could lead to an unprecedented crisis of governance in the country.

The Cooperative Societies Ordinance raises apartheid concerns

While the focus remains on governance worries, another matter has raised concerns among human rights groups. The recently passed Cooperative Societies Ordinance, also known as the Village Committees Law, has drawn attention as it sailed through Israeli society with seemingly little notice. Adalah, the legal center for Arab minority rights in Israel, identifies this law as one of the 65 laws promoting apartheid against Palestinians.

The law requires applicants seeking settlement in certain Israeli communities to undergo evaluation by committees. These committees hold significant power in determining whether applicants are deemed socially suitable based on cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Critics argue that this system can perpetuate discrimination and hinder equitable access to housing for marginalised communities.

Israeli-Zambian ties deepen with high-level visit

On the international front, Israel is making notable inroads into southern Africa, particularly with the recent visit of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. The president’s visit to Israel marked a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations. A large Zambian delegation, accompanied by senior government ministers, met with Israeli President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu.

The purpose of the visit was purportedly to discuss medicine, communications, technology, agriculture, water, and the establishment of a renewable power station in Zambia, capable of generating 71 megawatts of energy.

It also came to light that discussions occurred between the Israeli foreign minister and the Zambian counterpart about Israel’s interest in its role as an observer state at the African Union (AU) and its request for Zambia’s assistance in improving relations between South Africa and Israel.

Patriotic Alliance leader’s pro-Israel stance

The visit of the Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, to Israel has stirred controversy in South Africa. Despite being relatively new to matters concerning Israel and Palestine, McKenzie expressed unwavering support for stronger ties with Israel. He even declared that, if part of a major national coalition in the next election, he would restore the status of the South African embassy in Israel.

McKenzie’s stand has generated debate, with critics questioning the lack of interactions with Palestinians during his visit. He dismissed the impact of the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, citing increasing engagements between Muslim countries and Israel as a sign of its waning relevance, and was unrepentant about expressing the desire to build ties between South Africa and Israel.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaiman Ravat here.