La alargada sombra de Meir Kahane: cómo un rabino extremista que murió en los años 90 sigue influyendo en Israel

Meir Kahane's Legacy: From Obscurity to Political Power

This article traces the rise and enduring impact of Meir Kahane, an extremist rabbi and politician, and his ideology, Kahanism, on Israeli politics.

• Kahane's violent ultranationalism and religious fundamentalism, advocating the expulsion of Palestinians, resonated with some Israelis, particularly among the Mizrahi working class.
• Although his political career was marked by failure and his movement was outlawed, Kahanism survived and resurfaced in the 21st century, fueled by socio-economic inequality, the Second Intifada, and intensified Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
• In recent years, Kahanist ideas have gained mainstream acceptance, with figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, a Kahanist sympathizer, gaining prominence in the Israeli government.
• The article argues that Kahanism, in its current form, is now the operating ideology of the ruling coalition in Israel, advocating the dehumanization of Palestinians and normalization of forced expulsion and ethnic cleansing.

Kahane's Early Life and Ideological Formation

Kahane's upbringing in a Zionist-revisionist family, his involvement in extremist groups like the Jewish Defense League (JDL), and his assimilation of various ultranationalist, religious, and fundamentalist currents shaped his ideology.

• His activities with the JDL involved violence against Soviet institutions and contributed to his controversial reputation.
• Kahane's dual life of Orthodox rabbi and womanizing fraudster reveals his unique nature, merging religious zeal with personal ambition.

From Marginal to Mainstream

The article depicts Kahane's transition to Israeli politics. Initially unsuccessful, he leveraged the Mizrahi working class' grievances and the pervasive anti-Arab sentiment to gain support.

• While his party, Kach, achieved minor electoral success, it was later outlawed.
• The article highlights a shift where the initial attempts to isolate Kahane and his followers created a paradoxical situation, normalizing Kahanist ideology within the mainstream.
• The rise of figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, who, despite toning down some extreme rhetoric, champions Kahanist central tenets like annexation and Palestinian expulsion, demonstrates the mainstreaming of Kahanism.

The Aftermath of Hamas' Attacks

The article explores the consequences of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and their impact on the Israeli political landscape.

• The aftermath saw a surge in support for extreme right-wing groups. An increase of support for ideas of ethnic cleansing is apparent.
• The discussion of the plan to expel the population of Gaza and the comments by some government figures regarding the appropriate treatment of the population suggest the normalization of extreme positions.