Netanyahu Continues Begin's Legacy of Connecting with Voters
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, similar to Menachem Begin, connects with voters who feel excluded from the Israeli establishment by embodying an aspirational ideal. Despite his background, Netanyahu appeals to those who feel less sophisticated, offering a sense of belonging and representing what they aspire to be. This connection is reinforced by traditional values and a sense of national identity, with voters often defending their choice due to motivated reasoning.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Benjamin Netanyahu, like Menachem Begin, connects with voters who feel excluded from the Israeli establishment.
- Voters are often drawn to leaders who embody an idealized version of themselves or their aspirations.
- Netanyahu's appeal extends to a significant portion of Likud voters without university degrees.
- Traditional values, Judaism, nationalism, and belonging are key motivators for supporting Netanyahu.
- Motivated reasoning leads voters to readily accept information supporting their chosen leader.
The article explores how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, like former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, has cultivated a deep connection with voters who feel marginalized or excluded from the Israeli establishment. Begin, despite his background, was perceived as an outsider who offered a sense of belonging to those who felt unheard. Netanyahu has inherited and expanded this connection, appealing to a broad base, including a significant portion of Likud voters who do not hold university degrees.
The author suggests that voters are often drawn to leaders who embody an idealized version of themselves or their aspirations, rather than someone who simply mirrors the average person. Netanyahu, with his educated background and international polish, paradoxically resonates with those who feel less sophisticated or "correct" in the eyes of perceived elites. This "aspirational identification" stems from the leader representing what the group strives to become, and the ability to withstand perceived attacks from various institutions.
Beyond feelings of deprivation, the article highlights that for many, traditional values, Judaism, nationalism, and a sense of belonging are intrinsic motivators for supporting Netanyahu. The piece also delves into motivated reasoning, explaining that once a leader becomes part of a voter's identity, information supporting that choice is readily accepted, while contradictory information is viewed with suspicion. This psychological phenomenon, observed in both the right and left of the political spectrum, means voters actively defend their choice and, by extension, themselves.
