Timed Leak Against Netanyahu Backfires, Analysts Say
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A recent report in Haaretz about a supposed conversation between PM Netanyahu and the UAE president before October 7th is seen by critics as a politically timed leak. Analysts argue this tactic backfires, rallying Netanyahu's base and mirroring past election failures for the opposition.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Haaretz report on Netanyahu-UAE president call timed with election deadlines.
- Critics allege strategic leak aims to divert attention from Netanyahu's politics.
- Former PMs Bennett and Lapid quickly condemned Netanyahu after the report.
- Author claims leak strategy rallies Netanyahu's base, mirroring past elections.
- Opposition urged to focus on policy, not just opposing Netanyahu.
A recent report in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, detailing a supposed conversation between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the President of the United Arab Emirates about a week before the October 7th attacks, has caused political ripples. The article's timing, coinciding with the deadline for Knesset list submissions, is being widely questioned. Critics suggest the information, allegedly held for months, was strategically leaked to divert attention from Netanyahu's political maneuvering.
Former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid were among the first to publicly condemn Netanyahu following the report. Bennett's immediate interview on a morning radio show, reportedly arranged shortly before broadcast, has also drawn scrutiny regarding its timing.
The author argues that while an independent state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures is necessary, using such leaks for political gain is counterproductive. This tactic, the author contends, plays directly into Netanyahu's narrative of being persecuted and rallies his right-wing base, rather than weakening him.
This strategy, according to the analysis, mirrors past election campaigns where the "Anyone but Bibi" slogan inadvertently unified the right around Netanyahu. The author points to diverging poll results from mainstream and right-wing media as evidence that the election outcome is far from decided. The Israeli public, it is argued, is not easily swayed by such tactics.
To effectively challenge Netanyahu, the opposition must shift its focus from solely opposing him to presenting a positive vision. This includes addressing issues like the cost of living, promoting national unity, and offering credible future commitments. Failure to do so, the author warns, could lead to another election defeat for the center-left bloc.
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