I think Bibi as I prefer to call him is a great servant of the Jewish People and of the State of Israel and of Eretz Yisrael. I don't care if he has weaknesses. His attributes are not only numerous but enormous. Being a bus driver in Israel is unfathomably complex. How much more for a policeman or judge or minister or leader. A single list of the successes during Bibi's times as PM would be amazing. I wish him everything good. And whenever a new Prime Minister goes into position I will wish that person and Leader everything good. I do not like politicians as a breed. I do not support any political party or dogma anywhere. Am Yisrael Chai.
I certainly agree. We had one of several 'recent' Prime Ministers in Australia who I really did not 'like'. It doesn't matter if I 'like' them. If they do some or preferably a lot of good then I'm fine with not likeing them. But one who I REALLY did not like (still, one out of several) but I didn't go around saying horrible or even any personal things about the person (or their 'leadership). Whereas my fellow artiefartieleftielaborgrrreenmaaaates spewed continual bile online and in person about said P.M. I wondered... what would happen IF that PM actually did something good, would my fellow artiefartieleftielaborgrrreenmaaaates say or admit as much. My conclusive assumption was NO WAY would they EVER admit a person not of their own political party actually did something good. Thus with Bibi the actual problem is that so many Israelis, and mainly Left and Left-of-Left (but not only) and Jewish individuals globally will never ever be willing to acknowledge that Bibi ever did or will or even could do ANYTHING good or right. Way too many of Us i.e. of Jewish individuals are naturally fanatic Zealots and THAT political zealotry IS their 'religion' dogmatically automatically. We ALL need 'Mussar' or some deep changes which I refer to as "The BIG Lesson" (i.e. more Jewish Stuff). The We are a work-in-process.
Interesting analysis. As an outsider in the U.S. I can only say, long live Benjamin Netanyahu!
As we witness with our leader PDJT, Bibi enjoys the added power of ‘divine interference’ which over rules the plans of enemies and they miraculously survive. The recent attempt to blow up busses creating a diversion for a mega Hamas attack on Israeli cities is just the latest. One lone, alert woman saw the bomb and averted a disaster dwarfing 10/7. In the USA it was reminiscent of a millimeter turn of the head and the bullet meant for him missed only nicking an ear. Simplicity is God’s signature.
I’m grateful for our native born hero’s, a Sabra and an American billionaire, motivated by love of country. My dream team.
To Diane and others. My point about demonizing was about the observers not Bibi. When for example did anyone describe say Joe Biden as “reptilian” or “power hungry”or any of the other loaded words that characterize both Bibi and Underwood. The answer is almost never. But do we really believe that Lapid or Gantz are less so—or just not as good at it. But that language is never used when talking about them despite some of the absolutely vile things they say about Bibi.
I don’t understand Bibi completely but I DO understand that HASHEM has the control of everything, also including some evil elements when needed. I know Bibi is a descendant of Vilna Gaon , who was strong opponent of Hasidic culture. There are many statements that Netanyahu has made that very clear having the same opinion 😢😢😢 I know that after the final battle, Sanhedrin will start and first case is Netanyahu and IF he passes thru , he can continue as a prime minister 🔥🔥🙌🙏🔥The Third Temple and the Kingdom of Israel (Davidic Dynasty) are eternal and Sanhedrin is also in the Third Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem Very Soon Baruch HaShem 🙌🙏🔥🇮🇱✡️❤️✡️🇮🇱🙌🙏🔥🙌🙏🔥🇮🇱✡️❤️✡️🇮🇱
Yes. He’s shown himself to be rock solid in response to the 7 October massacre. But this tragedy and its outgrowth happened on his watch and that, given Israel’s technological prowess, is unforgivable. He shares culpability!
What bothers me even more is that some people may read your words and incorporate some of your “insights” into their “understanding” and share that with others.
Interesting article, Josh, but instead of comparing Bibi so much to a fictional politician, why didn't you supply real-life examples to help readers understand his alleged behavior? For example, when did Bibi “outflank rivals within his own party, form and dissolve alliances when convenient, and employ fear-based messaging to consolidate support”? Which issues, were at stake to warrant (in his mind) such behavior? Did he achieve anything positive for Israel with this behavior or not?
Alas, I am as mystified by Bibi after reading your article as I was when I began reading it.
I will keep it concise, but to answer your questions:
1) Bibi outflanked Yoav Gallant, the now-former Defense Minister of Israel who was let go by Bibi during this war even though he was very popular in Israel. In fact, he was probably let go because of how popular he became.
2) There are many examples of Netanyahu forming and dissolving alliances when convenient, such as with Gideon Saar. This is not unique to Netanyahu. Most politicians do this. It's just part of the political game.
3) Fear-based messaging — Go listen to many of his speeches both after and before October 7th. Much of this fear is substantiated, of course.
In many ways, the description of Netanyahu and Underwood describe many American politicians. They are masters at playing the political game. For me, I no longer hold Netanyahu to the high standard I once gave him. His armor has begun to rust, and his "strength" has melted away with each new decision he has made. The tallest order will be if he is savvy enough to make a decison that will not only get the hostages back, clear out Gaza, and get Israelis living their lives without fear in the north and Gaza strip, he will only stand as another politician out for himself.
Jen Gilman Porat you miss my point. It is not left or right that poisons politics. It is personal demonization. And that tactic is the hallmark of the liberal approach. Its source is the belief in the basic moral superiority of the holders of the liberal flame.
so Bibi is a liberal then? Do you remember how many people he personally demonized? Yitzchak Rabin, Shimon Peres, David Levy and that was just in the 1990s. Look how he demonizes every political opponent and anyone who disagrees with him as a "leftist". By your definition, Bibi is the biggest liberal in Israel today
The Frank Underwood - character in the American version of 'House of Cards' (I prefer the British original) may be amusingly cunning, he is obviously a thug who only cares for himself.
I wonder if mr. Nethanyahu should be flattered by Joshua's comparison to this reptilian character. Although, reptilian politicians are in vogue nowadays.
I think Bibi as I prefer to call him is a great servant of the Jewish People and of the State of Israel and of Eretz Yisrael. I don't care if he has weaknesses. His attributes are not only numerous but enormous. Being a bus driver in Israel is unfathomably complex. How much more for a policeman or judge or minister or leader. A single list of the successes during Bibi's times as PM would be amazing. I wish him everything good. And whenever a new Prime Minister goes into position I will wish that person and Leader everything good. I do not like politicians as a breed. I do not support any political party or dogma anywhere. Am Yisrael Chai.
Yes Bibi has done a lot of good for Israel. But every politician has good, bad, and ugly — just like every human being.
I certainly agree. We had one of several 'recent' Prime Ministers in Australia who I really did not 'like'. It doesn't matter if I 'like' them. If they do some or preferably a lot of good then I'm fine with not likeing them. But one who I REALLY did not like (still, one out of several) but I didn't go around saying horrible or even any personal things about the person (or their 'leadership). Whereas my fellow artiefartieleftielaborgrrreenmaaaates spewed continual bile online and in person about said P.M. I wondered... what would happen IF that PM actually did something good, would my fellow artiefartieleftielaborgrrreenmaaaates say or admit as much. My conclusive assumption was NO WAY would they EVER admit a person not of their own political party actually did something good. Thus with Bibi the actual problem is that so many Israelis, and mainly Left and Left-of-Left (but not only) and Jewish individuals globally will never ever be willing to acknowledge that Bibi ever did or will or even could do ANYTHING good or right. Way too many of Us i.e. of Jewish individuals are naturally fanatic Zealots and THAT political zealotry IS their 'religion' dogmatically automatically. We ALL need 'Mussar' or some deep changes which I refer to as "The BIG Lesson" (i.e. more Jewish Stuff). The We are a work-in-process.
Yes, Bibi has done much for Israel. His family loves Israel. He brought free market principles to Israel. That is why Israel is so prosperous.
Bibi has been sounding the clarion call for this moment his entire career; a real leader, God given.
This chapter is not yet over. Time will tell what his legacy will be. I am hoping for the best.
Interesting analysis. As an outsider in the U.S. I can only say, long live Benjamin Netanyahu!
As we witness with our leader PDJT, Bibi enjoys the added power of ‘divine interference’ which over rules the plans of enemies and they miraculously survive. The recent attempt to blow up busses creating a diversion for a mega Hamas attack on Israeli cities is just the latest. One lone, alert woman saw the bomb and averted a disaster dwarfing 10/7. In the USA it was reminiscent of a millimeter turn of the head and the bullet meant for him missed only nicking an ear. Simplicity is God’s signature.
I’m grateful for our native born hero’s, a Sabra and an American billionaire, motivated by love of country. My dream team.
To Diane and others. My point about demonizing was about the observers not Bibi. When for example did anyone describe say Joe Biden as “reptilian” or “power hungry”or any of the other loaded words that characterize both Bibi and Underwood. The answer is almost never. But do we really believe that Lapid or Gantz are less so—or just not as good at it. But that language is never used when talking about them despite some of the absolutely vile things they say about Bibi.
David Sager
I don’t understand Bibi completely but I DO understand that HASHEM has the control of everything, also including some evil elements when needed. I know Bibi is a descendant of Vilna Gaon , who was strong opponent of Hasidic culture. There are many statements that Netanyahu has made that very clear having the same opinion 😢😢😢 I know that after the final battle, Sanhedrin will start and first case is Netanyahu and IF he passes thru , he can continue as a prime minister 🔥🔥🙌🙏🔥The Third Temple and the Kingdom of Israel (Davidic Dynasty) are eternal and Sanhedrin is also in the Third Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem Very Soon Baruch HaShem 🙌🙏🔥🇮🇱✡️❤️✡️🇮🇱🙌🙏🔥🙌🙏🔥🇮🇱✡️❤️✡️🇮🇱
Yes. He’s shown himself to be rock solid in response to the 7 October massacre. But this tragedy and its outgrowth happened on his watch and that, given Israel’s technological prowess, is unforgivable. He shares culpability!
What bothers me even more is that some people may read your words and incorporate some of your “insights” into their “understanding” and share that with others.
I'm okay with that. I took that into account before publishing, as I do with all my writings.
It’s not complicated.
The primary responsibility of the leader of any nation is, above all else, survival of the nation.
If a leader fails at that then the nation ceases to exist.
Interesting article, Josh, but instead of comparing Bibi so much to a fictional politician, why didn't you supply real-life examples to help readers understand his alleged behavior? For example, when did Bibi “outflank rivals within his own party, form and dissolve alliances when convenient, and employ fear-based messaging to consolidate support”? Which issues, were at stake to warrant (in his mind) such behavior? Did he achieve anything positive for Israel with this behavior or not?
Alas, I am as mystified by Bibi after reading your article as I was when I began reading it.
I will keep it concise, but to answer your questions:
1) Bibi outflanked Yoav Gallant, the now-former Defense Minister of Israel who was let go by Bibi during this war even though he was very popular in Israel. In fact, he was probably let go because of how popular he became.
2) There are many examples of Netanyahu forming and dissolving alliances when convenient, such as with Gideon Saar. This is not unique to Netanyahu. Most politicians do this. It's just part of the political game.
3) Fear-based messaging — Go listen to many of his speeches both after and before October 7th. Much of this fear is substantiated, of course.
In many ways, the description of Netanyahu and Underwood describe many American politicians. They are masters at playing the political game. For me, I no longer hold Netanyahu to the high standard I once gave him. His armor has begun to rust, and his "strength" has melted away with each new decision he has made. The tallest order will be if he is savvy enough to make a decison that will not only get the hostages back, clear out Gaza, and get Israelis living their lives without fear in the north and Gaza strip, he will only stand as another politician out for himself.
Jen Gilman Porat you miss my point. It is not left or right that poisons politics. It is personal demonization. And that tactic is the hallmark of the liberal approach. Its source is the belief in the basic moral superiority of the holders of the liberal flame.
David Sager
so Bibi is a liberal then? Do you remember how many people he personally demonized? Yitzchak Rabin, Shimon Peres, David Levy and that was just in the 1990s. Look how he demonizes every political opponent and anyone who disagrees with him as a "leftist". By your definition, Bibi is the biggest liberal in Israel today
The Frank Underwood - character in the American version of 'House of Cards' (I prefer the British original) may be amusingly cunning, he is obviously a thug who only cares for himself.
I wonder if mr. Nethanyahu should be flattered by Joshua's comparison to this reptilian character. Although, reptilian politicians are in vogue nowadays.
While watching that show I had Bill and Hillary Clinton in mind.
Also, some of what you describe about Bibi and Underwood actually sounds like Trump.
Same here. Totally the Clintons.
Very insightful!
Ah, House of Cards. Then don't forget darling Claire.
Spot on! Great article!