Four Reasons Why Netanyahu Retains Strong Right-Wing Support
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains strong right-wing support due to his perceived handling of the "Swords of Iron" war, historical failures of past prime ministers, influence of US presidents Obama and Trump, and a perceived "legal persecution" against him. These factors, the article argues, unite the right-wing base behind Netanyahu, even among those who may not personally favor him.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Netanyahu's perceived strong war management is a key reason for his continued right-wing support.
- Past failures of Rabin, Barak, Sharon, and Olmert serve as cautionary tales for right-wing voters.
- US Presidents Obama and Trump's tenures are cited as factors in maintaining Netanyahu's support.
- A perceived "legal persecution" against Netanyahu has unified the right-wing base behind him.
- Right-wing voters may support Netanyahu despite personal reservations about his character.
Despite the failures of October 7th, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to command significant support from the right and center-left, a phenomenon the article attributes to four key factors. The first explanation is Netanyahu's perceived impressive management of the ongoing war, "Swords of Iron," which earns him high marks even from those who are not his supporters. The article notes that while Netanyahu is credited for his leadership, other security officials are seen as secondary players.
The second explanation delves into the past failures of previous prime ministers, including Yitzhak Rabin, Ehud Barak, Ariel Sharon, and Ehud Olmert. Their tenures, marked by perceived missteps such as Rabin's Oslo Accords, Barak's negotiations with Yasser Arafat, Sharon's disengagement from Gaza, and Olmert's Lebanon War, are presented as cautionary tales. These historical events, the article argues, have led the average right-wing voter to believe that choosing a prime minister without a clear-eyed view of reality is a grave mistake, thus reinforcing support for Netanyahu.
The third factor cited is the influence of former US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Obama's presidency is credited with keeping Netanyahu in power through the 2013 and 2015 elections, while Trump's election in 2016, coupled with Netanyahu's resilience against immense pressure from the Obama administration until 2016, is said to have restored right-wing faith in him.
The fourth and final explanation is the "legal persecution" against Netanyahu. The article posits that after the 2015 elections, when Netanyahu secured a significant victory, the left realized he was the Likud's and the right's greatest asset and began pursuing his downfall. This led to the opening of investigations and indictments, starting with Case 1000 in December 2016, shortly after Trump's election. The article suggests these legal battles are perceived by the right-wing public not just as an attack on Netanyahu but on the entire right-wing bloc, solidifying their support for him.
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