Zionism: when the tool becomes sacred—between sovereignty and the kingdom

Source: The state as an instrument: Leibowitz on the nature of sovereignty

From the perspective of both the religious scale of values and the humanistic scale of values, the state has no intrinsic value. From the standpoint of both, the state is merely a tool, an instrument, or a means... The significance of the state lies only in this, that it creates the background and constitutes the framework for human beings' pursuit of certain values... The political-governmental apparatus is maintained out of necessity; to preserve a minimum of safety and the proper functioning of social reality.

(Yeshayahu Leibowitz, "The Path of Nationalism to Bestiality," Haaretz, Oct. 5, 1984)

Explanation: From the Haganah to critique: the radical shift after the Six-Day War

The professor, scientist, and Orthodox thinker Yeshayahu Leibowitz—who fought in the War of Independence as part of the Haganah—did an about-face after the Six-Day War. The goal had been achieved: the Jewish people possessed sovereign power. But right here lurked the deadliest danger. In his view, the moment the state turns from an instrument (an apparatus for collecting trash, distributing water, and running an army) into a sacred object (an object of worship), society marches toward the abyss.

Perspective: Between the foundation of the throne and idolatry: a delicate balance of holiness

The truth is, despite an instinctive recoil from Professor Leibowitz’s words, what he says here deserves to be heard, even without agreement. A state, as important as it is as a tool for expressing values, for protecting lives and beliefs—when treated as an intrinsic value, as the kingdom of Israel itself, one must beware of excessive sanctity. Such sanctity leaves no room for critique, rejects rationalism and sobriety, sends people to their deaths without question, fosters lawlessness and a breakdown of governance, and is, in truth, idolatry. The State of Israel may be 'the foundation of God’s throne in the world,' but however holy it might be, it is still only a throne for the kingdom, not the kingdom itself.

Going Deeper: Constitutional patriotism: from Jewish tradition to political philosophy

In political philosophy, thinkers like Jürgen Habermas outline the distinction between "ethnic nationalism" (allegiance to blood, soil, and the state apparatus as such) and "constitutional patriotism" (allegiance to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law). According to Leibowitz, Jewish tradition demands an absolute constitutional patriotism: loyalty belongs to the Law (to the Torah and to morality), and any regime or state that repudiates this Law automatically forfeits its political right to exist.

Culture: Queen of the Bathtub: when satire exposes the painful truth

The satirical play "Queen of the Bathtub" (Hanoch Levin, 1970).

Three years after the dazzling victory of the Six-Day War, when the entire country set military might as its highest joy, Hanoch Levin staged a play that tore to shreds the cult of the state and military hubris. The play portrayed the nation’s leaders as blind madmen sending young boys to their deaths in the name of callous clichés. It sparked immense public outrage and was pulled from the stage after only a few performances, yet it proved Leibowitz’s point precisely: a society that sanctifies the state will never tolerate criticism. Indeed, that was how we were caught off guard in the Yom Kippur War and the Swords of Iron War—blinded by arrogance and overconfidence in the state.