Critics argue that Israel’s survival is dependent on repression and state-sanctioned violence. The country has been embroiled in decades of near-perpetual war, receives billions of dollars in aid and weapons annually, and has consistently violated international law through its expansion of occupation and settlements. Governments and international human rights organizations have called for investigations into Israel’s military actions in Gaza, while Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that it is the only democracy in the Middle East. Some question whether Israel can be considered a normal state, or if it exhibits characteristics of a fragile or failed state. Cyril Vanier hosts a discussion with guests Ali Abunimah, Paul Turner, and Ilan Pappe to explore these perspectives.