Whatever the outcome, Israeli politics is undergoing a tectonic change. We have shifted from normal politics, which promises mundane improvements and sometimes delivers them – to messianic politics, which promises paradise on earth but tends to create hell. A radical messianic group has risen to power. Like the Bolsheviks and the Khomeinists, the Israeli messianic zealots are certain of three things:

• They know the way to ultimate redemption.

• To bring about that redemption, they require unlimited power.

• Any means used to acquire that power are acceptable, and every sacrifice is legitimate.