Centre for Mediterranean, Middle East & Islamic Studies University of Peloponnese www.cemmis.edu.gr Centre for Mediterranean, Middle East & Islamic Studies www.cemmis.edu.gr 26 February 2014 * Researcher of the Centre for Mediterranean, Middle East and Islamic Studies of the University of Peloponnese. No 55 Middle East Flashpoint Israel: Domestic Troubles Stavros Drakoularakos * 2014 is the year in which old and new challenges will arise for Israel. As the state heads towards the 6 6 th anniversary of its independenc e, it fac es roadbloc ks that – in a nutshell – impede the urgency of its finding a solution for its political, financial and refugee crisis. T his article lays out the current major issues that confront Israel, prompting a discussion of potential avenues which it can pursue as it heads towards its elections.