The erosion of women’s rights in Israel and the United States is becoming a defining characteristic of a broader shift toward authoritarianism, driven by far-right religious forces. In Israel, the current government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly embraced a “creeping theocracy,” while in the United States, the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House threatens further disassembly of constitutional democracy in what many view as a theological agenda.
Journalist Dahlia Lithwick and Tel Aviv University law professor Dr. Yofi Tirosh explored these parallels in a recent Haaretz podcast, hosted by Allison Kaplan Sommer. They argued that the attack on women’s rights is a deliberate strategy by authoritarian regimes, as gender equality is a cornerstone of civil society.
Gender equality as a target
In both nations, women’s autonomy has been a prime target for political forces seeking to reshape democratic norms. In Israel, the public debate is robust but underscores growing divides. Gender segregation in public spaces and efforts to sideline women’s voices have intensified, fuelled by the judicial overhaul proposed by Netanyahu’s government. This overhaul threatens to weaken the independence of the courts, undermining protections for women’s rights and civil liberties.
In the U.S., the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion, marked a watershed moment. The decision was celebrated by far-right religious groups and is seen as part of a broader effort to impose theological views on public policy.
Dr. Tirosh highlighted that authoritarian movements often begin by targeting women. “Women’s autonomy is central to a functioning democracy,” she explained. “When you undermine women’s rights, you destabilise the very foundation of civil society.”
The role of fatigue in undermining resistance
Lithwick noted that political fatigue is contributing to a decline in activism in both countries. In the U.S., years of polarised debates over reproductive rights have left many disheartened. Similarly, in Israel, resistance to judicial reforms and creeping theocracy is waning as citizens grow weary of prolonged political struggles.
This fatigue is precisely what authoritarian regimes rely on, Lithwick argued. “Exhaustion is a tool of authoritarianism. If they can tire you out, they can erode your rights without significant resistance.”
Comparing contexts: Abortion and gender segregation
The podcast also examined the cultural and legal battles surrounding women’s autonomy in the two countries. In the U.S., abortion has become a deeply polarising issue, tied to questions of bodily autonomy and individual freedoms. Conversely, in Israel, the struggle is often framed around public space and religious influence, such as gender segregation on buses or restrictions on women singing in public.
Despite these differences, both Lithwick and Tirosh emphasised the shared underpinnings of these conflicts: a desire by far-right religious factions to enforce patriarchal norms. “It’s about control,” said Lithwick. “Whether it’s controlling women’s bodies or their presence in the public sphere, the goal is to reinforce male dominance.”
The broader threat to democracy
The podcast’s participants also warned that attacks on women’s rights are a harbinger of broader democratic erosion. Authoritarian regimes often begin with women because their rights are more vulnerable and less likely to provoke immediate mass resistance. However, the implications extend far beyond gender.
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Dr. Tirosh pointed to Israel’s judicial overhaul as an example. “This isn’t just about women; it’s about dismantling checks and balances,” she said. “When the courts lose their independence, everyone’s rights are at risk.”
Similarly, Lithwick drew connections to the U.S., where efforts to erode reproductive rights are accompanied by challenges to voting rights and LGBTQ+ protections. “These aren’t isolated issues,” she explained. “They’re part of a broader attempt to reshape society in the image of a narrow, authoritarian worldview.”
A call to action
Both women called for renewed activism to counter these trends. They stressed the importance of recognising the interconnectedness of these issues and building coalitions across different sectors of society.
“The fight for women’s rights is the fight for democracy,” said Tirosh. “If we don’t stand up now, we risk losing far more than we can imagine.”
Lithwick added, “It always begins with women, but it doesn’t end there. This is everyone’s fight.”
As Israel grapples with judicial overhauls and the U.S. faces a potential return to Trumpism, the parallels between the two nations serve as a stark reminder: protecting democracy requires vigilance, and that vigilance must include safeguarding women’s rights.
