The results of the latest election in Israel concern me.

I am a strong supporter of Israel.  Having visited Israel as part of Birthright, the existence of a Jewish State fills me with pride.  Even though I am a progressive, I do not identify with those on the left who have nothing but criticism for Israel.

However, I am troubled by some of the parties who were the winners of the November 1st election.  Their leaders have advocated policies such as expelling Arab citizens who are terrorists, with the definition of ‘terrorist’ being very broad, annexing the West Bank without giving Palestinians any rights, and neutering the power of their Supreme Court.  Those types of people and their positions would not be tolerated by the majority of Jews in America.  Those positions may be becoming mainstream amongst Israelis, but they do not represent what I identify about Judaism.  

As I see these people enter the government, I ponder how that will affect my love of Israel.  Will I want to identify with a country that has the possibility of violating Democratic norms?  Will I now agree with the position that sanctions are needed for Israel?  What about Jews on college campuses and elsewhere.  Will they be forced to answer for a government that they have no part of?  I am very aware that as an American Jew, I have a sense of security that those in Israel do not, but still, I am concerned.

What are your thoughts?  How do you identify with Israel, if at all? I know this topic will elicit many opinions, so please keep your comments clean.