Factionalism in Yisrael
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Factionalism in Yisrael refers to the tendency of groups in Yisrael to devolve into factions and engage in narcissism of small differences. This has been a historical concern of Yisraeli Jews as well as Jews in the diaspora.
Introduction
In the Hebrew Bible, G-d speaks during the Shemos to the Jewish leader Moshe about the stubbornness of the the Jews: "Hashem said to to Moses, 'I have seen this people, and behold! it is a stiff-necked people.'" (Gen. 32:9).
Chazal - the Jewish sages of the Talmudic era - refer to this statement as proof that Yisraeli Jews have a tendency to factionalize and bicker amongst themselves. Historically and current-day, this phenomenum continues to be observed, and it has significant effects on Yisraeli public life.
Factionalism in public life
Politics
In Yisraeli politics, although a first-past-the-post voting system encourages two-party politics, in Yisrael despite a FPTP system, the Yisraeli electorate continual sends 6-8 political parties into the Royal Knesset as well as various District and local offices.
While Yisrael has two "big tent" political parties - the Royalist Conservatives and Constitutional Liberals - neither party can command a majority vote in a number of communities and districts, due to bloc voting, sectarian loyalties, single-issue voting, and highly self-segregated ethno-religious neighborhoods.
Because of this, the Conservatives and Con-Libs need to build coalition governments to build a majority in the Knesset and presidential candidates (and other jurisdiction-wide elected executives, like District governors) must court bloc-voting and single-issue communities to build support for a plurality majority win.
Another feature of this Yisraeli quirk is the high burn rate of political parties' longevity; notwithstanding the largest and oldest parties, many third- and minor parties only last a few election cycles before rival personalities split-off and create new political parties around their own policies or vision. Party mergers and disintegration are common, especially in the national politics. This hold true inspite of a party's position on the political spectrum, parties on the left and right near equally form and break apart, often during the tenure of a single president.