A prominent critic argues Israel has drifted away from its founding liberal-democratic character, turning into what he calls a "distorted" version of Judaism — bad news for anyone hoping for a return to pluralism in Israeli politics.

• A guest commentator says today's Israel represents a "mutation" of Judaism, distorted from its original liberal roots.
• He predicts that over time, people who identify as Jewish or sympathetic to Judaism will say they prefer the original version over the current one.
• The discussion frames the problem as part of a broader collapse across liberal democracies — the few people left who are genuinely both liberal and democratic, balancing majority rule with protection of individual rights.
• The exchange suggests Israel has lost the "harmonious system" that once balanced collective will with individual liberty.

Outlook: Expect continued debate over Israel's political direction as critics warn the shift away from liberal-democratic balance is accelerating, not reversing.