Israel's Wealthy Oppose Netanyahu Despite Benefiting From His Rule
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Many wealthy Israelis who have prospered economically during Benjamin Netanyahu's premiership are now his strongest opponents, citing a departure from national values. The high-tech sector, which thrives under his rule, also harbors significant opposition. Meanwhile, Netanyahu's core supporters are often those facing economic hardship, whose children's futures are further jeopardized by widening social gaps. This dynamic creates a paradoxical political landscape where beneficiaries of his rule oppose him, while those harmed by his policies may secure his power.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Wealthy Israelis who benefited economically under Benjamin Netanyahu are largely his strongest opponents.
- These affluent individuals cite a perceived departure from core national values as their primary reason for opposition.
- The thriving high-tech sector, which enables high living standards, also shows significant opposition to Netanyahu.
- Netanyahu's core supporters are often those struggling economically, facing difficulties with basic living costs.
- The article suggests the education system's decline under Netanyahu widens the gap between rich and poor.
- This situation is described as a "world turned upside down" in Israeli politics.
The article explores a paradox in Israeli politics: many affluent individuals who have significantly benefited economically during Benjamin Netanyahu's long tenure as Prime Minister are now among his staunchest opponents. The author recounts two personal anecdotes illustrating this phenomenon. The first, from a 2020 economic delegation to Dubai following the Abraham Accords, involved business owners who had prospered under Netanyahu but were preoccupied with weekly anti-Netanyahu protests.
The second anecdote, from a recent gathering of successful, mostly older businessmen, revealed a similar sentiment. Despite their considerable wealth, achieved during periods of Netanyahu's leadership, all ten individuals present were vehemently opposed to his continued rule. When questioned, their reasoning pointed to a perceived departure from core national values under Netanyahu, suggesting their success was independent of his government and that non-monetary principles were paramount.
The high-tech sector is presented as another example of this paradox. While the industry, which enables high living standards and homeownership for young employees, thrives under Netanyahu, many in the sector express deep concerns about international isolation, the judiciary, individual rights, and the education system. The author dismisses claims of "crypto-right-wingers" in tech, suggesting a strong majority would vote left in a secret ballot.
Conversely, Netanyahu's core supporters are depicted as those struggling economically. These are individuals whose children still live at home in their thirties, who must curtail grocery spending, and who fear credit card or mortgage payment defaults. The article argues that while Netanyahu's governments may have fostered the tech boom, his loyal supporters have often paid the price, particularly through a deteriorating public education system that widens the gap between rich and poor.
The author concludes that this situation, where those who owe their wealth to Netanyahu's era are his biggest opponents, while those who have suffered economically under him may ensure his continued rule, represents a "world turned upside down" unique to Israeli identity politics.
