Netanyahu Accused of Manipulating Public Opinion on Economy and Security

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is intensifying efforts to shape public perception less than a month before elections, aiming to downplay the failures of October 7th and distract from the rising cost of living. The article alleges that Netanyahu is leveraging bereaved parents from the October 7th massacre to attack other bereaved parents, a tactic described as "unity, Netanyahu's version." He is also reportedly orchestrating a series of international visits to countries without extradition treaties, including a recent trip to the United Arab Emirates, and issuing warnings about potential attacks from Iran to create a sense of insecurity.

Economically, the article criticizes the government's narrative of a booming Israeli economy, contrasting it with the lived experience of citizens facing increased income taxes, a VAT hike, and soaring food prices. Specifically, the recent surge in gasoline prices to 8.27 shekels per liter has prompted the Minister of Finance and Netanyahu to consider subsidizing the price, a move the author deems a "one-time election economy" tactic. The article questions the legality and timing of such a subsidy, given the neglect of gasoline prices for four consecutive years.

The National Economic Council, led by Professor Avi Simchon, is described as an "economic experiment field" under Netanyahu's patronage. Simchon's recent proposal to halt mandatory pension savings at age 40 in favor of a 500 shekel monthly increase in net income is labeled as populist and likened to the 500 shekel payments distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it "election bribery." Simchon is also criticized for advocating for defense budget cuts by demanding efficiency from the security establishment and for his past proposal to subsidize mortgages by 2 billion shekels for the Haredi public.

The article further points to Simchon's push to relocate oil refineries from Haifa Bay to the Negev, a move deemed highly improbable. It also mentions a recent decision to lift restrictions on connecting server farms to the electricity grid. The author concludes that Simchon acts as Netanyahu's "long and hidden arm for economic manipulations," contrasting Netanyahu's current actions with his policies in 2003, which involved tax increases and cuts to benefits for large families. At 76, with his political future uncertain, Netanyahu is portrayed as using all means necessary to cling to power, with Simchon serving as a tool to achieve his goals.