Israelis Who Benefited Under Netanyahu Oppose Him, While the Struggling Support Him
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Many Israelis who achieved significant financial success during Benjamin Netanyahu's premiership are now his strongest opponents, while those facing economic hardship remain his loyal supporters. The author uses anecdotes from business delegations and personal encounters to illustrate this paradox, highlighting the thriving high-tech sector and the struggles of lower-income citizens. This dynamic creates a unique political landscape where beneficiaries of a right-wing government are its critics, and those economically harmed are its staunchest advocates.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Wealthy Israelis who benefited financially under Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership are largely his opponents.
- Struggling Israelis facing economic hardship are identified as Netanyahu's most loyal supporters.
- The high-tech industry, which thrives economically under Netanyahu, has many critics of his government.
- Opponents cite a divergence from core values and perceived damage to institutions as reasons for their opposition.
- Supporters face significant economic challenges, including difficulties with basic expenses and housing.
- The article describes this situation as an Israeli political paradox or a 'world turned upside down'.
The article explores a paradox in Israeli politics: many individuals and sectors that have financially prospered during Benjamin Netanyahu's long tenure as Prime Minister are now among his staunchest opponents. Conversely, those facing economic hardship appear to be his most loyal supporters.
The author recounts two personal anecdotes. The first, from a 2020 economic delegation to Dubai following the Abraham Accords, involved business owners who had become significantly wealthier due to the agreements but were still preoccupied with weekly protests against Netanyahu, likely related to his ongoing trial. The second, more recent encounter, involved a group of affluent, successful businessmen, mostly older than the author, who complained about rising costs and discussed upcoming elections. Despite their considerable wealth accumulation during Netanyahu's terms, all expressed strong opposition to his continued leadership, attributing their success to their own efforts rather than the government, and citing a divergence from core values under his rule.
The high-tech industry is presented as a prime example of this paradox. While the sector, which enables high living standards and homeownership for young employees, thrives under Netanyahu, many in the industry are reportedly concerned about growing international isolation, the undermining of the judiciary, and perceived threats to individual rights and the education system. The author dismisses claims of "Marrano" tech workers hiding right-wing views, suggesting a secret ballot would reveal overwhelming left-wing support.
In contrast, Netanyahu's staunch supporters are depicted as those struggling with economic survival. Their children may live at home well into their thirties, and they face difficulties with basic expenses like grocery shopping and mortgage payments. The article suggests that while Netanyahu's governments may have fostered the growth of sectors like high-tech, his loyal supporters have often borne the economic cost, particularly concerning the education system, where disparities between the wealthy and the poor are widening.
The author concludes that this phenomenon, where those who benefited financially from a right-wing leader become his fiercest critics, while those economically disadvantaged rally to his support, creates a "world turned upside down" characteristic of Israeli identity politics.
