Strong and stable

Unprecedented is an over used word — especially with regard to Israeli politics. But the inability of the apparent winner of April’s election to construct a coalition, and the consequent sudden dissolution of the Knesset, is just that.

It means that although Benjamin Netanyahu remains prime minister for now, he may finally have reached the end of the road. Israeli politics is in flux, with any number of potential outcomes after September’s election.

It is not even certain who will be contesting the election. Israel’s security demands that whatever happens, and whoever emerges as prime minister, stability is paramount.

Stop own goals

Bigotry against Muslims is clearly on the rise and it is important that action is taken to counter it. In that context, it might seem that the summit proposed for last month in Brussels by the European Network Against Racism (ENAR) would be a welcome contribution.

But its behaviour shows that ENAR — which receives most of its funding from the European Commission, and thus from EU taxpayers — is itself part of the problem.

By inviting groups such as Cage and the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), ENAR not only destroys its own credibility but gives damaging standing to two organisations which should have no role in mainstream politics or broader public life.

This week, for example, we report on the Al Quds Day march, an annual antisemitic hatefest organised by the IHRC.

These and other Islamist groups crave recognition as representatives of the Muslim community.

Organisations like ENAR not only play into their hands by inviting them to participate in seminars and consultations — they also betray the majority of Muslims who have no truck with extremists.

The battle against Islamism is difficult enough without such own goals.