Is Prime Minister Netanyahu Truly Responsible for Everything?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has found himself at the center of intense scrutiny. Media campaigns, particularly those from left-leaning outlets, have increasingly portrayed him as culpable for a wide range of national and international issues. The list of accusations is long and varied: from the failure to secure agreements with Hamas for the release of hostages to the continued war in Gaza, the tragic murders of those held captive, and the growing internal divisions within Israel. Additionally, there is criticism over what some see as a weak response to the Hezbollah threat in northern Israel, strained relations with key allies like the United States, and the disturbing rise in global antisemitism.

But is Netanyahu really guilty of all these charges?

Yes, Netanyahu is guilty – guilty of winning the elections, guilty of safeguarding the State of Israel, and guilty of standing firm against opposition, even within his own political party. He is guilty of seeking to secure the Philadelphi Corridor, aiming to prevent Hamas from rearming through tunnels from Egypt. Netanyahu is also guilty of resisting calls to end the war prematurely, believing that an Israeli presence in Gaza is necessary to ensure the safety of citizens returning to their homes in the south. Moreover, he is guilty of recognizing the harsh reality that Hamas has no genuine interest in negotiating peace.

The narrative pushed by some in the media, suggesting that Netanyahu is motivated solely by political self-interest, is very frustrating. It oversimplifies complex security and diplomatic challenges that Israel faces.

The criticism reached a fever pitch when Yair Lapid, the head of the opposition, publicly accused Netanyahu of indifference to the horrific murders of an additional six Israeli hostages. Lapid’s statement, “This morning broke the heart of an entire nation, except for those who lead it”, underscores the deep political divide and the emotionally charged atmosphere that now pervades Israeli politics.

To fully understand the roots of this criticism, it is essential to look back at the 2022 elections, where Netanyahu’s victory set the stage for the current political dynamics. The election results not only reaffirmed his leadership, but also intensified the polarization within Israeli society, with his opponents doubling down on their efforts to challenge his policies and decisions at every turn.

As the nation grapples with these profound challenges, it remains crucial to assess leadership with a balanced perspective, recognizing the difficult decisions that come with governing in such a volatile region.

Netanyahu, as the leader of the right wing and ultra-Orthodox camp, demonstrated strategic prowess in preparing for Election Day on November 1, 2022. In stark contrast, the anti-Netanyahu bloc faced a plethora of challenges.

In essence, this disparity in strategic planning and unity between the two opposing blocs played a significant role in shaping the election outcome. Netanyahu’s camp successfully minimized risks, while the anti-Netanyahu bloc’s fragmentation led to a considerable loss of potential votes and, consequently, impacted the final results.

Despite a near tie in the number of votes, Israel’s electoral system allowed Netanyahu’s bloc to secure 64 seats, making them the victors in the formation of the new government.

So what did the losers do?

They simply did not accept the democratic results of the election.

I believe that we are witnessing the result of the painful consequences when a political party suffers defeat in a closely contested election and various psychological mechanisms come into play to mobilize and rally their supporters against the official, local government. They can’t rally against the people of Israel – so they choose the government.

Frustration, anger, and disappointment are common emotional responses to the election loss. These emotions create a sense of urgency and motivation to take action and to address the perceived injustice and dissatisfaction.

Additionally, supporters of the defeated party feel a strong need to protect their shared political identity and sense of belonging to their social group. The election defeat threatens this identity, leading them to rally together and defend their beliefs and values.

Group polarization further strengthens their united stance against the incumbent local government. When members of a group interact with each other, their shared grievances and negative perceptions of the government are amplified, leading to more extreme and entrenched views.

Overall, these psychological processes shape how individuals and groups respond to election outcomes, motivating them to take action and advocate for their cause.

Undoubtedly, the left-wing bloc in Israel is united by one clear unrelenting cause – the removal of Benjamin Netanyahu from power, at any cost.

I strongly uphold the democratic right of every citizen to demonstrate and protest. Nonetheless, I find it deeply troubling when anti-democratic actions are permitted to go unpunished in the name of democracy itself.

There is a stark contrast between the initial peaceful mass demonstrations that were held at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square, Kaplan Street, and opposite the Knesset, and the disruptive acts of blocking major roads, engaging in violent demonstrations, and paralyzing the entire country.

My objective is to comprehend how a political group, opposing the current government, has managed to exert significant influence on the entire country through strikes, threats, and actions that have severely disrupted our lives in the name of democracy.

I am curious whether all these demonstrations had permits and what legal basis allowed them to shut down Israel’s national airport or disrupt our healthcare system. Additionally, I wonder what legal right they had to interfere with my personal life by blocking roads and preventing me from traveling outside of my city.

On June 27th, 2023 we witnessed over 300 IDF reservists protesting against the reforms outside the home of Yariv Levin, the leader of the judicial reform and Israel’s Minister of Justice. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of impending doom.

I understand and respect the democratic right of private hi-tech companies and businesses to participate in the protest. However, it concerns me deeply when our revered and cherished fighters and air-force pilots begin to take a political stand, as it brings us uncomfortably close to the potential of a “coup d’etat”. A military coup, which is illegal and unconstitutional, poses a significant threat to the principles of civilian rule and the rule of law that underpin our democracy.

What about civil disobedience, when activists seek to challenge the status quo, stimulate public debate, and prompt authorities to reconsider or rectify the unjust policies or practices in question.

The underlying philosophy is to act in a nonviolent manner, emphasizing the moral and ethical aspects of the cause being championed, rather than resorting to violent or destructive means.

Is that what is happening in my beloved country? Or does it constitute sedition?

Sedition is a term used to describe actions or speech that incite rebellion or resistance against the established authority of a government or state. It involves acts or expressions that aim to undermine the lawful authority of the government, provoke public unrest, or promote the overthrow of the existing regime. Sedition is often considered a serious offense, as it poses a threat to the stability and security of the state.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak and former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Yair Golan encouraged demonstrators to engage in civil disobedience. Police are still investigating if that constituted sedition.

Now I am the one feeling frustration, fear and anger.

Who is orchestrating Israel’s internal strife and who is providing the funding for it?

Why do the leaders and demonstrators escape accountability for their violent and unlawful actions?

It is quite ironic to witness Lapid’s ability to mobilize innumerable anti-Bibi supporters to the streets for demonstrations, yet he struggled to translate that enthusiasm into increased voter turnout, and failed to unite the left-wing bloc in November 2022.

It is truly astonishing how the judicial reform wasn’t a significant priority for Likud before the elections, yet it quickly became a nationwide concern when it was portrayed as a dangerous act that could threaten democracy under Bibi’s supposed dictatorship.

Lapid’s, or someone else’s, strategic plan is ingenious. Take to the streets, demonstrate, make Bibi’s life miserable, make everyone’s life unbearable.

As anti-Bibi slogans lose their impact, the bloc has creatively devised new slogans to carry their message forward: “The End of Democracy” and “Resistance to Dictatorship”

After October 7, “You are the Head – You are Guilty” and more.

Despite the initial focus on opposing the judicial reform during the demonstrations’ early stages, I recall hearing a striking moment on Channel 14. During an interview with protesters, an elderly lady was asked why she opposes the reform, to which she straightforwardly replied, “We don’t want Bibi.”

This response suggests that the anti-Bibi slogan may still have a chance of enduring and resonating with the protesters.

Perhaps it actually reveals the truth and real reason for the demonstrations.

The left-wing has provided a concrete avenue for their distressed and upset supporters to vent their profound disappointment over the election defeat. Their continuous efforts are focused on removing Bibi from power, creating division within our nation, causing harm to our economy, undermining our resilience, disrupting everyday life, and projecting an image of chaos to the world, particularly to our adversaries.

The dilemma Netanyahu faces is profound. On the one hand, he could choose to act with his heart, cutting a deal with Hamas, a cruel terrorist organization, to secure the release of the hostages still held in Gaza. Such a decision would undoubtedly bring relief and solace to the families who have endured unimaginable pain and anxiety as they await the return of their loved ones.

On the other hand, Netanyahu could choose to act with his mind, refusing to negotiate a deal that would inevitably lead to the release of hundreds of Hamas terrorists. Once back on the streets, they would likely regroup and pose a renewed and significant threat to the security of Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu now finds himself at a critical juncture – a moment that will define his legacy as a leader. The decisions he makes in the coming days and weeks will not only shape the future of Israel, but also test his resolve as the nation’s leader.

In the end, the true measure of leadership is not just in the decisions made, but in the ability to carry the weight of those decisions with integrity. Netanyahu’s legacy will be determined by how he navigates this perilous path, balancing the immediate needs of his people with the long-term safety and security of the nation.

Whether he chooses the path of the heart or the path of the mind, Israel’s future hangs in the balance. The decisions made in these critical moments will reverberate for years to come, shaping the destiny of a nation that continues to seek peace and security in an ever-volatile region.