It’s not just the divide between Sephardim and Ashkenazim in Israel that is more antagonistic.
The relationship between Orthodox and unobservant Jews is also much more hostile and combative than it is in chu”l.
Even the Chassidim and Misnagdim in E”Y can’t seem to get along, and factions within factions are always coming up with excuses to hang up pashkvillim denouncing each other.
And of course in E”Y, totally separate from any discord between Ashkenazim and Sephardim, we have the unknown-in-Chu”l phenomenon of hafganot (hafgonnehss in popular parlance) and dumpster burning (feh).
I’m not sure what causes it, but this is the one thing about being in E”Y that makes me very uncomfortable.
Could it be the lack of politeness and civil behavior that is just socially accepted as normal there?
Do the hot summers and rainy winters bring out the worst in people?
Do the constant unrest and existential threats from neighbors fray tempers? Or on the contrary do people feel more empowered and secure in their own homeland so they don’t feel a need to behave themselves and act graciously to their fellow citizens?
Do the Yeshivos and Bais Yaakov’s there not feel the need to impress on their young charges the need to behave like B’nei and B’nos Melochim, to speak gently and remember the “Hatznei’a leches” aspect in their behavior to others and among themselves?
Whatever the reason, the average Israeli, regardless of level of observance, is not likely to win the Mr or Miss Congeniality prize.
There are many notable exceptions to the rule, but the general atmosphere doesn’t seem to be one of harmony and good will.