Netanyahu's Legacy Under Scrutiny in New Book
Translated & summarized from Zman Yisrael by baba
Professor Dror Feitelson's book, "Netanyahu's Legacy," critically analyzes Benjamin Netanyahu's political career using extensive data and statistics. The book argues Netanyahu's tenure caused severe damage to Israeli democracy, societal cohesion, and institutions. Feitelson presents evidence of a "disinformation machine" and increased investment in settlements, suggesting a desire to perpetuate conflict. The work examines economic decline, reduced welfare services, and a weakening of Israel's international standing.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Professor Dror Feitelson's book "Netanyahu's Legacy" critically analyzes Benjamin Netanyahu's political career.
- The book argues Netanyahu's tenure severely damaged Israeli democracy and societal institutions.
- Feitelson presents data on a "disinformation machine" and increased settlement investment.
- Economic decline and reduced welfare services are detailed in the book.
- The work examines Israel's weakening international standing and foreign policy collapse.
- Feitelson suggests Netanyahu's policies risk a binational state and undermine Zionism.
As elections approach, a new book by Professor Dror Feitelson, "Netanyahu's Legacy," offers a critical, data-driven examination of Benjamin Netanyahu's decades-long political career, particularly his time as prime minister. Feitelson, a computer science professor, utilizes quantitative analysis, extensive data, graphs, and comparisons to detail the "true story" of what he terms a "bad period" in Israel. The book argues that Netanyahu's tenure led to a significant decline in democratic institutions, societal division, and a collapse of systems. Feitelson claims that under Netanyahu, Israel regressed into nationalism, isolation, and a severe erosion of the rule of law, with messianic and racist ideologies fostering inequality. The book also details the systematic creation of a "disinformation machine" and "poison machine" designed to sow division and damage the social fabric. Feitelson provides an example of this, noting a surge in negative social media attacks against former Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich following Netanyahu's personal criticism of him. The book presents a "data file" that serves as a "sharp and unprecedented indictment" of Netanyahu's policies, drawing on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, state budgets, and national legislation, including frequent changes to basic laws. It also analyzes economic data, the decline of welfare services, and the rise of a neoliberal economy, evidenced by reduced hospitalizations, increased waiting lists for public housing, and a decrease in new construction starts. Furthermore, the book examines data on media and freedom of information, suggesting a curtailment of free speech and a controlled press, including records of Netanyahu's conversations with the editor of Israel Hayom. Feitelson's analysis extends to the settlement enterprise, showing a significant increase in investment since 2017 and a rise in demolition orders against Palestinians, which he argues indicates a desire to perpetuate the conflict and apartheid. The book also touches on the declining international standing of Israel and the collapse of its foreign policy. The author contends that these actions, particularly concerning settlements, often disregard legal procedures and government decisions, potentially jeopardizing the Jewish majority and undermining the Zionist project by leading towards a binational state.
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