"Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East."

Supporters claim that “Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East,” pointing to its multiparty elections, independent judiciary, and civil liberties for Jewish citizens. They contrast Israel with authoritarian regimes in neighboring states and argue that its democratic values justify Western support and distinguish it morally from its neighbors.

While Israel holds elections and has democratic structures for Jewish citizens, its political system systematically excludes and discriminates against Palestinians, both citizens within Israel and those under occupation. Human rights groups like B’Tselem and Human Rights Watch classify Israel as an apartheid regime, citing dual legal systems, movement restrictions, and land control that violate basic democratic norms.

Palestinian citizens of Israel face structural inequalities in housing, education, land access, and political representation. Meanwhile, millions of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza live under military occupation or blockade with no voting rights in the system that governs their lives. A democracy that disenfranchises millions is not a democracy for all.