Israel’s Royal Passport Scandal

You know, it’s a funny thing about power and titles. In Israel, it seems some folks have taken this to heart too literally. Take Benjamin Netanyahu, for instance. He’s been called “King Bibi,” so often it appears he’s started to believe it himself. And why not? When you can hand out diplomatic passports like candy at a parade, you might as well wear a crown, right?

Then there’s Prince Yair, Netanyahu’s son. He’s a particular case. He is not on the front lines fighting Hamas and has a shiny diplomatic passport to call his own. It’s like a modern fairy tale, except the dragons are bureaucratic, and the magic spells are political influence.

Now, let’s talk about these diplomatic passports. They’re supposed to be for those representing the state, not a pat on the back for being in the right political circle. But hey, in Netanyahu and company, why bother with rules? They’re more like guidelines.

It’s almost comical how these things are handed out. “You get a passport! And you get a passport!” It’s like Oprah’s giveaway show but with less cheering and more raised eyebrows.

The Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, played his part too. He’s like the royal advisor, ensuring the court’s wishes are fulfilled, even if it means bending a few rules or snapping them in half.

And the justifications, oh, they’re the best part. Yair Netanyahu needs to stick with his security guards, they say. Walking through regular passport control is too much of a hassle for royalty.

This situation sheds light on a bigger problem, though. It’s not just about passports; it’s about how Israel is being perceived. With each of these moves, the image of a democratic and fair state gets a little more tarnished.

I’m not saying everyone in the government is part of this royal court. There are still those who believe in integrity and the rule of law. But their voices are drowned out by the fanfare of the king’s procession.

What’s concerning is the message this sends to the citizens. Leaders acting like kings set a tone for the entire country. It says, “Do as I say, not as I do.” And that’s a dangerous path to tread.

In a perfect world, Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara would step in, wave a magic wand, and set everything right. Passports would be revoked, and justice would be served. But this isn’t a fairy tale, and real life is rarely that neat.

So, what’s the moral of the story? When you give someone a crown, be careful they don’t start thinking they’re an actual monarch. Or perhaps it’s about the dangers of unchecked power. Either way, it’s a tale still being written, and how it ends is anyone’s guess.

But one thing’s for sure: in the land of Israel, where real threats loom significant and serious governance is needed, playing king and prince is more than just a bad look. It’s a disservice to the people who need leaders, not royalty.