1) Netanyahu is the single most dominant figure in modern Israeli history. Ben Gurion founded it but Netanyahu (to borrow a phrase from that anti-Semite Obama) “fundamentally transformed it - from a sclerotic socialist state into the most innovative tech nation on Earth, AND an energy exporter thanks to its natural gas discoveries. Love him or hate him (I am in the former) nobody has his gravitas on the World Stage. We saw that when Bennett was PM.
2) Criticizing Bibi is the way for cowardly Jewish leftists to try and find favor with their leftist Jewhating comrades. It will undermine Israel but will buy them no influence on the left.
Your 2) is 1000% spot on. I hear this BS from them every time I sit down with them. For them, Bibi’s association with Trump is all it takes—they’ve already decided he’s irredeemable, no nuance, no thought. It’s a reflex, not a judgment. And frankly, that mindset exposes something deeper: leftist Jewish critics, posture as supporters of Israel but offer little of real value when it matters. The support feels thin, performative, and quick to disappear the moment it’s inconvenient.
That all makes sense .. my knowledge between mid 1970s & mid 2000s is not so well versed as current .. I would add in Menachem Begin who was a great leader .. but as I say, I am not so well versed.
My mantra as a Jewish Brit, is that of Denis Prager, Prager U based in the USA.
Diaspora Jews support Israel whether it has a left or right wing government. I'm well aware of what goes on in Israeli politics, but in the diaspora, we should not openly criticise Israel such that the Jew haters and Israel haters use our comments, 'adding fuel to their fire'. And iif one is so critical of Israel, make Aliyah and get yourself a vote.
Of course criticism of Israel and its politics is fair game, and I bow to those Israelis who have lived it, walked the walk, done military service and have kids and other family serving.
It used to be said that if only Israel would make peace with the pallies, the Middle East would be peaceful. That could not be further from the truth .. it's a dangerous neighbourhood. Just look how Iran fought Iraq in the late 80s, the Arab spring circa 2010, and the Egyptian Army overthrew the democratically elected Morsi. And today, Iran attacks the Gulf States and who knows where that will end.
I'm currently in Israel and I hear so many lefties say that Netanyahu is awful, and when I ask who will win the next election, they all say Netanyahu.
I wonder what other leaders would do differently, because without doubt, Iran and its evil axis had to be confronted at some point.
“I'm well aware of what goes on in Israeli politics, but in the diaspora, we should not openly criticise Israel such that the Jew haters and Israel haters use our comments, 'adding fuel to their fire'.”
I am an Evangelical Christian Zionist, and could not agree with you more fully. I have engaged with a number of liberal Israeli Jewish friends, in Israel as well as the United States, who have been quite vocal in their contempt for Netanyahu. And I know very well how such views are seized upon, amplified, and spread abroad via social media by many who profess to be Christians (and may, indeed, be), insist they are NOT antisemitic, but anti-Zionist, and rail against Netanyahu as an embodiment of the evil Jewish cabal, seeking to achieve Global supremacy, etc.
It literally breaks my heart to see the extent to which the Satanically-inspired campaign to turn the world against Israel is succeeding. And it is especially heartbreaking and discouraging to see how so many Israeli and Diaspora Jews are being used to achieve that success.
For clarity, my perspective of the Bible, derived from a consistent application of the ‘Literal, Grammatical, Historical Hermeneutic’ (interpretive method), is a minority one within ‘Christendom’. And, it is under increasingly vehement attack from within ‘the Church’, primarily because it supports the belief that ‘the Chosen People’ remain ‘Chosen’, and that God will fulfill ALL of His promises to them, with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) reigning over the world from David’s throne in Jerusalem, and with the Jewish people dwelling in the full, Biblically-mandated, territory of Land of Israel.
But that same view informs me that this present distressing reality of growing antisemitism is going to get worse; far worse, before it comes to its end. And, for what it’s worth, I engage in a daily ‘struggle’ to come to terms with that belief, while also retaining the confident peace and joy that comes from knowing the true and living God remains in Sovereign control of His Universe, and that He will bring about His Plans for the Ages, exactly as foretold.
2 million Israeli Arabs live in Israel, Muslims and Christians, participating in all aspects of Israeli life .. An Arab judge put a Jewish PM in prison ..
So Israel is NOT an apartheid state .. South Africa was apartheid, with segregation .. no segregation in Israel . Lie Number one proven wrong.
There is no genocide in gaza .. a war yes, but Israel is not exterminating gazans .. Lie number two proven wrong.
This disgusting anti Israel/anti jewish hate filled libel has no place on this site. Take your anti semitism to one of the countless platforms that cater to that kind of sickness. I don’t come here to see this kind of hateful garbage, and the site shouldn’t be bending its standards or looking the other way for anyone. Quit asking me for more money if this is your standard of discord.
You are either greatly deceived and/or a fool - even though you might actually be a true, born-again Christian - or a deceiver. I’ll opt for the first choice, and pray your eyes will be opened.
May you be so blessed…
Am Israel Chai, to the glory of God! (Deal with it.)
It's a knee jerk, cowardly way for many Lefties, especially the Jewish ones, to try to keep the love and acceptance from the non Jewish lefties who have been indoctrinated to hate Israel. It's all about their selfish self and their fear of being kicked out of the glorious, holy progressive movement. See cowardly Chuck Schumer. How's it going to work out for Chuck? AOC way ahead in the polls.
Netanyahu is a convenient straw man for those who hate Israel. If the next election puts Bennett, Gallant or even Lapid in the PM’s chair, the Islamists, the progressives, the woke right, the virtue signaling morons in Hollywood, the U.N., etc., will not suddenly embrace Israel and abandon their conspiracy theories, blood libels and violent rhetoric. They will repackage their hatred for Israel and find a new focal point. I am also tired of hearing progressive Diaspora Jews say that Netanyahu doesn’t reflect “their Jewish values,” as though he is a religious leader or that liberal Reform Jews of the Diaspora are the arbiters of “Jewish values.”
B. Netanyahu best man you ever could have in current circumstances. I totally disagree with all liberals which most likely would have failed to stand up for your country in times like this 💪👏
I would never believe that Leftist twit Newscum. Bibi has done an extraordinary job considering he's had to deal with the hubris from Trump. I fully agree with Frederick Tatala regarding PM Netanyahu. I know his wife Sara must worry about him constantly with the ongoing wars.
Yes, supporting Israel means supporting their leadership. Pray for Bibi and the peace of Israel.
Thank you Vanessa for your clarity on this subject. I followed my father’s advice that being in the Diaspora, Jews must unconditionally support Israel’s existence and not have a voice in internal politics. I would add that Israelis must be careful in supporting agendas influenced by externally funded NGOs.
Well put. There is no such thing as conditional Zionism. You support the survival of the Jewish state or you do not. Second you do NOT make common cause with our enemies. As the article states we can disagree with state policies. Israelis do. But we do not stand on a platform with our enemies to do so. We do not do ",As a Jew." We keep criticism in the family.
Our enemies have turned Netanyahu, the Democratically elected leader of Israel, into the equivalent of Putin or the Mullahs or Hamas. This is a grotesque blood libel and no Zionist can make it and still be considered a Zionist.
You are absolutely right, and the antisemitic filth in the USA comes straight out of the colleges and the professors where their number one funder is Qatar. Ever wonder why the youths' brains are twisted? That's why. Same goes for Newsmax who fired Grant Stinchfield for supporting Israel. Qatar gave Newsmax $50 mil. Money talks and truth walks.
Why are foreign entities funding our colleges and universities? China is the second largest funder.
Netanyahu's reality. Hamas and supporters’ rhetoric centers on the destruction of Israel not peaceful coexistence. This sentiment has found acceptance within various political, media, and academic institutions. Since 9/11, the world has seen over 44,000 terrorist attacks across 70 countries around the world. We are now accepting global terrorism as normal.
Berg misses an essential point; this is not simply a matter of policy disagreements or erroneous moves on the part of any Israeli PM. Unlike any other leader in Israel's history, Netanyahu has been subverting Israeli democracy itself. He has undermined the courts, has suborned police and the military so that they aid and abet settler violence against Palestinians, has imposed the death penalty only on Palestinians, has funneled even more taxpayer dollars to the Haredim, who largely function as parasites on the body politic, has allowed members of his coalition regularly to make genocidal statements that belie Israel's claim to having the "most moral army in the world," has polarized Israeli society, and has acted primarily to protect himself and his family and to preserve their wealth and privileges. He is a wrecking ball that threatens to dismantle the Jewish State from within.
Exactly. WHo are we in this comfortable diaspora( shiny golus) to pontificate on the merits of Israel's elected officials?
Israel and the diaspora were lulled into a false sense of camaraderie and emerging co-existence with neighboring Palestinians prior to October 7th...just months earlier Israelis had taken to the streets to promote a more equitable society .
Thanks, Vanessa, for your thoughts. These feel like difficult issues especially at this time. I took a stab at my own thoughts in this Open Letter to Bibi, on my Substack today, and welcome really anyone’s thoughts, understanding that perspectives among Jews can and do differ https://pstarobin.substack.com/p/my-letter-to-bibi-youre-bad-for-the
Regretfully there are plenty of Israelis that see Benjamin Netanyahu as though he is some kind of aberration. Let's first look in the mirror before we complain about external criticism.
"Can we be anti-Netanyahu and pro-Israel?"
No. Next question?
.. you point ?
1) Netanyahu is the single most dominant figure in modern Israeli history. Ben Gurion founded it but Netanyahu (to borrow a phrase from that anti-Semite Obama) “fundamentally transformed it - from a sclerotic socialist state into the most innovative tech nation on Earth, AND an energy exporter thanks to its natural gas discoveries. Love him or hate him (I am in the former) nobody has his gravitas on the World Stage. We saw that when Bennett was PM.
2) Criticizing Bibi is the way for cowardly Jewish leftists to try and find favor with their leftist Jewhating comrades. It will undermine Israel but will buy them no influence on the left.
Your 2) is 1000% spot on. I hear this BS from them every time I sit down with them. For them, Bibi’s association with Trump is all it takes—they’ve already decided he’s irredeemable, no nuance, no thought. It’s a reflex, not a judgment. And frankly, that mindset exposes something deeper: leftist Jewish critics, posture as supporters of Israel but offer little of real value when it matters. The support feels thin, performative, and quick to disappear the moment it’s inconvenient.
They hated him long before Trump appeared on the scene.
That all makes sense .. my knowledge between mid 1970s & mid 2000s is not so well versed as current .. I would add in Menachem Begin who was a great leader .. but as I say, I am not so well versed.
Is Lieberman a leftist?
My mantra as a Jewish Brit, is that of Denis Prager, Prager U based in the USA.
Diaspora Jews support Israel whether it has a left or right wing government. I'm well aware of what goes on in Israeli politics, but in the diaspora, we should not openly criticise Israel such that the Jew haters and Israel haters use our comments, 'adding fuel to their fire'. And iif one is so critical of Israel, make Aliyah and get yourself a vote.
Of course criticism of Israel and its politics is fair game, and I bow to those Israelis who have lived it, walked the walk, done military service and have kids and other family serving.
It used to be said that if only Israel would make peace with the pallies, the Middle East would be peaceful. That could not be further from the truth .. it's a dangerous neighbourhood. Just look how Iran fought Iraq in the late 80s, the Arab spring circa 2010, and the Egyptian Army overthrew the democratically elected Morsi. And today, Iran attacks the Gulf States and who knows where that will end.
I'm currently in Israel and I hear so many lefties say that Netanyahu is awful, and when I ask who will win the next election, they all say Netanyahu.
I wonder what other leaders would do differently, because without doubt, Iran and its evil axis had to be confronted at some point.
“I'm well aware of what goes on in Israeli politics, but in the diaspora, we should not openly criticise Israel such that the Jew haters and Israel haters use our comments, 'adding fuel to their fire'.”
I am an Evangelical Christian Zionist, and could not agree with you more fully. I have engaged with a number of liberal Israeli Jewish friends, in Israel as well as the United States, who have been quite vocal in their contempt for Netanyahu. And I know very well how such views are seized upon, amplified, and spread abroad via social media by many who profess to be Christians (and may, indeed, be), insist they are NOT antisemitic, but anti-Zionist, and rail against Netanyahu as an embodiment of the evil Jewish cabal, seeking to achieve Global supremacy, etc.
It literally breaks my heart to see the extent to which the Satanically-inspired campaign to turn the world against Israel is succeeding. And it is especially heartbreaking and discouraging to see how so many Israeli and Diaspora Jews are being used to achieve that success.
For clarity, my perspective of the Bible, derived from a consistent application of the ‘Literal, Grammatical, Historical Hermeneutic’ (interpretive method), is a minority one within ‘Christendom’. And, it is under increasingly vehement attack from within ‘the Church’, primarily because it supports the belief that ‘the Chosen People’ remain ‘Chosen’, and that God will fulfill ALL of His promises to them, with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) reigning over the world from David’s throne in Jerusalem, and with the Jewish people dwelling in the full, Biblically-mandated, territory of Land of Israel.
But that same view informs me that this present distressing reality of growing antisemitism is going to get worse; far worse, before it comes to its end. And, for what it’s worth, I engage in a daily ‘struggle’ to come to terms with that belief, while also retaining the confident peace and joy that comes from knowing the true and living God remains in Sovereign control of His Universe, and that He will bring about His Plans for the Ages, exactly as foretold.
Am Israel Chai, to the glory of God!
2 million Israeli Arabs live in Israel, Muslims and Christians, participating in all aspects of Israeli life .. An Arab judge put a Jewish PM in prison ..
So Israel is NOT an apartheid state .. South Africa was apartheid, with segregation .. no segregation in Israel . Lie Number one proven wrong.
There is no genocide in gaza .. a war yes, but Israel is not exterminating gazans .. Lie number two proven wrong.
Micaela or is it Mohammed?
Go play with your goats. Their IQ is way higher than yours.
This disgusting anti Israel/anti jewish hate filled libel has no place on this site. Take your anti semitism to one of the countless platforms that cater to that kind of sickness. I don’t come here to see this kind of hateful garbage, and the site shouldn’t be bending its standards or looking the other way for anyone. Quit asking me for more money if this is your standard of discord.
nothing wrong being a Jewish state with muslim arabs, christian arabs, gays and women have equal rights
arab countries .. don't even start me .. no democracy, no freedom of speech, no gay rights, women treated as second rate
Excellent post! Your words say everything.
this palestinian guy tells you what you don't want to hear ..
https://youtu.be/8m6ux-IeNo4?si=O7fUbXEba8lsVaHS
You came on this site to troll Jews, how “Christian” of you. Rebutting your antisemitic slur is a waste of time.
What a ridiculous comment Micaela . Trolling . Do better
You are either greatly deceived and/or a fool - even though you might actually be a true, born-again Christian - or a deceiver. I’ll opt for the first choice, and pray your eyes will be opened.
May you be so blessed…
Am Israel Chai, to the glory of God! (Deal with it.)
Micaela,
I hate Muslims too - God wants nothing to do with them.
it's a wake up call to the UK, when the UAE won't send its scholarship students to Britain for fear of being radicalised by muslim extremists
Normal human beings that sanctify life ..
islamist pallies worship death
No argument there
💜✡️
It's a knee jerk, cowardly way for many Lefties, especially the Jewish ones, to try to keep the love and acceptance from the non Jewish lefties who have been indoctrinated to hate Israel. It's all about their selfish self and their fear of being kicked out of the glorious, holy progressive movement. See cowardly Chuck Schumer. How's it going to work out for Chuck? AOC way ahead in the polls.
Netanyahu is a convenient straw man for those who hate Israel. If the next election puts Bennett, Gallant or even Lapid in the PM’s chair, the Islamists, the progressives, the woke right, the virtue signaling morons in Hollywood, the U.N., etc., will not suddenly embrace Israel and abandon their conspiracy theories, blood libels and violent rhetoric. They will repackage their hatred for Israel and find a new focal point. I am also tired of hearing progressive Diaspora Jews say that Netanyahu doesn’t reflect “their Jewish values,” as though he is a religious leader or that liberal Reform Jews of the Diaspora are the arbiters of “Jewish values.”
B. Netanyahu best man you ever could have in current circumstances. I totally disagree with all liberals which most likely would have failed to stand up for your country in times like this 💪👏
I would never believe that Leftist twit Newscum. Bibi has done an extraordinary job considering he's had to deal with the hubris from Trump. I fully agree with Frederick Tatala regarding PM Netanyahu. I know his wife Sara must worry about him constantly with the ongoing wars.
Yes, supporting Israel means supporting their leadership. Pray for Bibi and the peace of Israel.
Thank you Vanessa for your clarity on this subject. I followed my father’s advice that being in the Diaspora, Jews must unconditionally support Israel’s existence and not have a voice in internal politics. I would add that Israelis must be careful in supporting agendas influenced by externally funded NGOs.
People who are genuine focus on what is good for the people. OTOH Charlatans focus on does the leader of this country match my fashion accessories.
Well put. There is no such thing as conditional Zionism. You support the survival of the Jewish state or you do not. Second you do NOT make common cause with our enemies. As the article states we can disagree with state policies. Israelis do. But we do not stand on a platform with our enemies to do so. We do not do ",As a Jew." We keep criticism in the family.
Our enemies have turned Netanyahu, the Democratically elected leader of Israel, into the equivalent of Putin or the Mullahs or Hamas. This is a grotesque blood libel and no Zionist can make it and still be considered a Zionist.
You are absolutely right, and the antisemitic filth in the USA comes straight out of the colleges and the professors where their number one funder is Qatar. Ever wonder why the youths' brains are twisted? That's why. Same goes for Newsmax who fired Grant Stinchfield for supporting Israel. Qatar gave Newsmax $50 mil. Money talks and truth walks.
Why are foreign entities funding our colleges and universities? China is the second largest funder.
Netanyahu's reality. Hamas and supporters’ rhetoric centers on the destruction of Israel not peaceful coexistence. This sentiment has found acceptance within various political, media, and academic institutions. Since 9/11, the world has seen over 44,000 terrorist attacks across 70 countries around the world. We are now accepting global terrorism as normal.
And the takeover by Islamists of America is on fast pace and no one says a word. It's disgusting. Within less than five years we'll be Britain.
Berg misses an essential point; this is not simply a matter of policy disagreements or erroneous moves on the part of any Israeli PM. Unlike any other leader in Israel's history, Netanyahu has been subverting Israeli democracy itself. He has undermined the courts, has suborned police and the military so that they aid and abet settler violence against Palestinians, has imposed the death penalty only on Palestinians, has funneled even more taxpayer dollars to the Haredim, who largely function as parasites on the body politic, has allowed members of his coalition regularly to make genocidal statements that belie Israel's claim to having the "most moral army in the world," has polarized Israeli society, and has acted primarily to protect himself and his family and to preserve their wealth and privileges. He is a wrecking ball that threatens to dismantle the Jewish State from within.
I can’t vote in Israel so my opinion of Bibi is irrelevant and I keep it to myself. He was a smokin’ hot young man though, that I’m very open about.
You bet he was. So was his brother who gave his life in Entebbe...horrible loss.
Exactly. WHo are we in this comfortable diaspora( shiny golus) to pontificate on the merits of Israel's elected officials?
Israel and the diaspora were lulled into a false sense of camaraderie and emerging co-existence with neighboring Palestinians prior to October 7th...just months earlier Israelis had taken to the streets to promote a more equitable society .
NDS is alive and well within the Democrat party and often hides its ever increasing anti-semitism.
Thanks, Vanessa, for your thoughts. These feel like difficult issues especially at this time. I took a stab at my own thoughts in this Open Letter to Bibi, on my Substack today, and welcome really anyone’s thoughts, understanding that perspectives among Jews can and do differ https://pstarobin.substack.com/p/my-letter-to-bibi-youre-bad-for-the
Regretfully there are plenty of Israelis that see Benjamin Netanyahu as though he is some kind of aberration. Let's first look in the mirror before we complain about external criticism.