How is Lebanon the democratic system different from Israel’s?
Lebanon and Israel have differences in their democratic systems in the following ways:
1. Political Structure: Lebanon follows a parliamentary system, while Israel follows a parliamentary democracy with a multiparty system.
2. Religion: Lebanon's political system is based on a confessional or sectarian system, where power is divided among various religious communities, such as Christians, Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, and Druze. In contrast, Israel is a secular state with no official state religion.
3. Proportional Representation: Lebanon uses a complex proportional representation system, where seats in parliament are allotted based on religious groups' proportions. Israel also uses a proportional representation system, but with larger voting districts and a threshold of 3.25% for parties to enter the Knesset (Israeli parliament).
4. Representation: Lebanon's political system seeks to ensure a balanced representation of religious groups, with the President being a Maronite Christian, the Prime Minister being a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of Parliament being a Shia Muslim. In Israel, representation is not explicitly based on religious affiliation, and the President's role is largely ceremonial.
5. Military Role: Lebanon's democratic system has a unique element where the Lebanese Armed Forces play a significant role in the country's politics. In contrast, Israel's military, the Israel Defense Forces, maintains a clear separation from politics.
6. Foreign Relations: Lebanon's geopolitical situation, including its regional and international relationships, has a significant impact on its democratic system. Israel, being in a different geopolitical context, has different foreign relations dynamics.
It is important to note that both countries have their own specific historical, social, and political contexts that shape their democratic systems, and these differences contribute to unique challenges and advantages in each country.