The achilles heel of Israel is indeed its corrupt leadership. Not only do they make the entire country look bad, but their corruption leads to disasters in foreign policy and security decisions. This is one of the reasons why the expulsion was not thwarted in the gov't. The decision to ram it through had nothing to do with democracy, and EVERYTHING to do with corruption. The people are probably the most industrious and generous in the world. However, they are unjustly vilified along with their leadership. No matter what terror is directed at them they still manage to advance in all fields, often leading in breakthroughs in medicine, technology and agriculture which helps the entire world. This sordid gov't will only become healthy once Professor Paul Eidelberg's policies are enacted.

Just to put corruption in the govt is mis-leading... It is so obvious (with all the mafias running around this country) that TOP policemen are taking bribes.... But even worse... corruption is not just taking money... it is giving a friend a job, lying to employers, stealing money by forging documents.... and if this is true, corruption is rife everywhere and on all levels.... The civil "service" is so bad, it is not even a joke... and those people are just small, plain citizens... this is where a revolution is needed...

In a country entirely oriented to making as much money possible in as little time possible, one should view corruption as unavoidable. Politicians have certainly their share but they are far from being the only one....making money has always been the main preoccupation of Israelis ( ranging from Hotels or car rental companies ripping toursist off with outrgageous prices to so called night clubs charging a fortune to get in ) ...so what do we expect...money drives money....and corruption is certainly easier than working one's ass off in order to make a living....Additionally , it is in line with the culture in this part of the world no ? so why change it ?

The corruption here is open - everyone knows about it. It starts at the top in the knesset where votes are regularly bought for favours, money and more importantly, power- but it is legal! . Because of this corruption is rife in Israel. There is a word that has become accepted as a fact of life in Isreal, part of our culture that insipidly reaches all layers without exeption, life here can not exist without it - from job seeking to queing in the supermarket, from buying a car to getting a good school for your kid- PROTECSIA! without it you are a poriah, you are hungry and poor and have no hope.

The surprise Israel is ranked as high as it is. The corruption is so pervasive that it is the 'trickle down' theory in action in Israel. It is the most corrosive element of Israeli society destroying the sense of community that is so necessary in a healthy society. Respectfully submitted, Josef Cohen

What written by zznh can be applied to my country as well. It is very sad to know that bad things are more or less the same all over the wold. But we shall never loose hope, be positive and work for a better society every day.

I'm O.K. Massimo- I have protecsia!!! But seriously, Things should get better over the years but instead more and more people try to use the same system instead of changing it. I 'm thinking of going to live in Iceland!!!!

I suggest you stay in thailand. It's corruption level is much higher there. Perhaps after a bit you will BEG to come homeand appreciate it more.

If Iceland will let you in. One of the reasons it is rated so high is because of the fact of the similarilty of all the epople. They are of the same culture. In fact they are probably all related. It is a small indiginous society . All the people are relatively poor so no one to envy. I saw a recent documentary and believe me you'd be bored to tears..

Miss Hilda, It seems a bit odd you critisize me for leaving when you are writing from a New York address. However personal attacks aside you just don't get it. The issue is Israel, the corruption and the consequences. I am in Bangkok with an unofficial census of 12-15,000 Israeli ex pats. Now already 2 more of my family have come here. Around the world we are a million and a quarter. You have a country where more than 20% live abroad. That is serious problem for such a small country.We don't leave because of the army, the intifada or the wars. At least I have never heard anybody complain about this. We are just exhausted emotionally, and it's because the corruption as mentioned by others is so pervasive coming from the top and working itself all the way down. And I don't have to beg... I do go back as I wish. For your consideration, Josef Cohen

Radicals make false accusations, Intentionally deviate the truth, speak of what they do not know, to suport thier radical cause. Yet are the last to evaluate thier own. HILDA does have any knowledge, but to do this.

"..making money has always been the main preoccupation of Israelis ( ranging from Hotels... Hiram , tel Aviv (10.19.05) ." Making money, is what everyone does, it's not exclusive to Israeli's. Are you saying people living in the least corrupt nations are not interested in making money? " suggest you stay in thailand. It's corruption level is much higher there. Perhaps after a bit you will BEG to come homeand appreciate it more. Hilda , USA (10.19.05) " What does the level of corruption in Thailand have to do with the one in Israel?? Is it the standard one should follow? and if so, why not use one of the lesser corrupt countries??? Instead of tackling the issue head on, you seek to sweep the problem under the carpet, It's like saying, "Hey the rate of Aids spreading in Europe is lower than in Africa, therefore if you voice a fear of contracting Aids in Europe, you should be glad you're not living in Africa! " Duh!

Hi there... It seems like lots of people here does not know much about Iceland, because of on little incident, some people here starts to badmouth Iceland without knowing anything about that country... Here are few facts taken from this website... http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3086736,00.html http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3156444,00.html http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3056287,00.html Pease!

Three Years back I was centre to helping in busting a ring of Counterfeit Dollar dealers in Zichron Ya akov. ( Having been taken for a sucker in my own store. By a man coming in and purchasing a small item for about 40 shekels and then with a story, paying for it with a one hundred dollar bill, naturally the change is in shekels. Hence the loss ) The ring of counterfeit dealers were one king pin who carried nothing, three low life youngsters and a middle age woman. After a few hours of undercover work we were able to get the police to bust the gang excluding the woman. I and others made out our statements at the police station. So much time has passed and I have never heard a thing. What is going on?

You are so so right. As far as I am concerned corruption needs to be exposed on every level. We have to start some where more agressively and as far as I am concerned at grass roots level. I am now forming an Organization called " The Anti-Corruption League" this will be a non-profit operation for the purpose helping people and small businesses with their problem plus information on how to try and avoid this crippling situation

Corruptness is the basic foundation of the Jewish ZIonist state, its not really a surprise.