Netanyahu's Security and Economic Successes Counter Opposition's 'Destruction' Claims
A prevailing narrative in Israeli political discourse accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "destroying the country." However, the article argues that a significant number of achievements, particularly in security and economics since October 2023, contradict this claim. In the security realm, the article asserts that key leaders of hostile groups, including Sinwar brothers, Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been eliminated or neutralized. The Israeli military's actions are credited with destabilizing Syria, severing its ties with Hezbollah and Iran, and dismantling the "Shia bridge" connecting Iran to Lebanon. Within Lebanon, Hezbollah, while still powerful, is portrayed as a destroyer rather than a protector. In Gaza, a substantial portion of the territory is reportedly under IDF control, with ongoing population transfer plans. Iran's nuclear program infrastructure is also claimed to have been significantly degraded. The article cautions against complacency, citing the 1992 assassination of Abbas al-Musawi, which led to Nasrallah's rise and subsequent deadly attacks.
Economically, the article contends that Israel's performance has significantly outperformed most Western economies, especially since the war began in October 2023. Israel's GDP per capita is nearing $70,000, surpassing countries like Germany, France, Japan, Canada, and the UK. Over the past three decades, Israel's GDP per capita growth of 275% has outpaced the US, UK, and EU. The Israeli Shekel is highlighted as one of the world's strongest currencies, appreciating significantly against the US Dollar, Euro, and Pound Sterling since the war's outset. Furthermore, Israel has led the world in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) relative to its GDP, with FDI constituting 13.7% of its gross fixed capital formation, more than double the global average and triple that of developed economies.
While acknowledging Netanyahu's flaws and mistakes, the article suggests his shortcomings are less severe than those of any potential rival, advocating for continuity in the upcoming elections based on the principle of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
