Netanyahu's UN Speech Reveals Hidden Tensions, Analyst Suggests

A behavioral researcher suggests that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent speech at the UN General Assembly, while seemingly confident and employing familiar rhetorical devices, may have revealed underlying personal tension. Dr. Liraz Margalit, a researcher of digital-age behavior and a columnist for "Maariv" newspaper, points to two key indicators: an unusually frequent use of possessive language, particularly "my" and "our," and a noticeable increase in sarcasm.

Margalit observed Netanyahu's repeated use of phrases like "my country," "my people," and "our eternal capital" when referring to Jerusalem. This emphasis on personal and collective belonging, especially when contrasted with his previous UN addresses, suggests a psychological need to assert ownership, which can intensify when an individual feels their identity is threatened. For a politician deeply intertwined with national leadership for decades, the line between professional role and personal identity can blur, making such possessive language particularly significant, especially in the lead-up to elections.

Furthermore, Margalit noted a shift in Netanyahu's emotional tone, with a marked increase in sarcastic remarks. While Netanyahu is known for humor, his previous speeches typically focused on themes of threat, history, struggle, and hope for the future. This address, however, featured more pointed barbs. Examples include his comment about "friends" and a sarcastic offer to the Iranian delegation to keep a Starlink device for social media use. He also made a jab at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, suggesting Erdoğan held a "world record" for imprisoning journalists and opposition figures.

Margalit interprets this increased sarcasm not just as humor but as a psychological tool. Unlike hope, which aims to persuade and project a positive future, sarcasm creates distance and signals that persuasion may no longer be the primary goal. This shift, she posits, could indicate a perception that the audience is less receptive to direct persuasion. While acknowledging that definitive conclusions about Netanyahu's internal state are impossible based solely on rhetoric, Margalit believes the combination of heightened possessive language and increased sarcasm offers a contrasting perspective on his pre-election UN address.