In March, as debate raged over the Israeli government’s proposed judicial reforms, President Herzog warned that the country was on the verge of “civil war”. Since then, the rancour has worsened.

The street protests have increased; this week’s march to Jerusalem was, by a large margin, the biggest such gathering ever seen in Israel. Opinions are not merely polarised.

There is a poisonous atmosphere now in Israel, with both sides becoming ever more entrenched and dogmatic. From the diaspora perspective, whatever view one takes of the proposals, it is impossible to see what is happening in the land we love and not weep. Now more than ever, compromise is vital. The stakes could hardly be higher. These are historic times for Israel and not in a good way. Decisions and actions taken now will determine its future.

The government says it has every right to push ahead with further reforms after Monday’s vote (which removed the so-called reasonableness test), because it is formed of a majority of MKs and thus has democratic legitimacy.

But the only reason this particular coalition exists is because Prime Minister Netanyahu — who is, of course, on trial for corruption — was forced to rely on deals with extremist parties to return to power. Israel is only in this crisis because in order to remain in office, he is doing their bidding.

It is precisely because Israel has no written constitution or upper chamber that judicial issues and decisions are so important. Reforms must not be carried out for the wrong reasons, or with a sledgehammer.

There have always been divisions in Israeli society and politics, but since its founding in 1948, an implicit understanding of the need for compromise and the role of mutual obligation have always kept the divisions in check.

The breakdown of these principles is behind the current crisis. It is more vital than ever that the profound need for compromise and consent is learned anew by both government and opposition.