This is the Middle East here, which means: If you don’t get religious coercion from one side – you get it from the other.

Israel has just gone through its 4th elections within a period of two years. One of the main issues is the ancient religious rules that are mixed with modern Israeli law. Businesses and shops are closed on Saturdays and holidays. Marriages are formally accepted only if performed the religious way – and with many restrictions on who can get married and when. Homosexuals and lesbians suffer discrimination. Almost no public transportation on weekends. And this is just a partial list.

Netanyahu has been an excellent partner of the Jewish religious parties in the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) for a good reason. It’s a relationship that helps both sides: We’ll support you, and you give us money and religious laws. The fact that there are several million citizens out there who don’t want these rules – is less important.

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So we thought once we get rid of this partnership, we may advance to some more modern and just laws. As they say in Hebrew: So we thought. As far as politics is concerned, apparently we now have to choose between the religious rules coming from the Jewish side and those coming from the Muslim side. Lo and behold they seem to be very much the same.

It seems the Jewish god and the Muslim god have a lot in common. Both are homophobic. Both are fond of restricting weddings. Moreover, both like to politically support the other for being supported in return.

And again, the fact that there are several million citizens out there who don’t want these rules – is less important.