An Israeli professor and peace advocate wounded by suspected hard-line extremists in a bomb attack says Israeli democracy is in danger.
Zeev Sternhell says Israeli authorities must eradicate political violence. He warns that if political opponents begin physically attacking each other, "then democracy cannot exist in these conditions."
Sternhell is a political scientist internationally known for his work on the history of fascism. Police suspect the assailants who planted the pipe bomb that lightly wounded him early Thursday were extremists targeting him because of his outspoken criticism of Israeli settlers.
Speaking to Israel Radio from a Jerusalem hospital Friday, Sternhell said democracy "is a fragile form of government that needs to be constantly protected."
