French Immigrants Divided Over Netanyahu's Leadership
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Political divisions in Israel are spilling into classrooms and communities, particularly impacting French immigrants. Many French-Israelis express frustration over the lack of strong alternatives to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite criticisms of his leadership. Debates highlight a rift between some French immigrants and Israelis concerned about Netanyahu's future in power. A 2018 survey showed a majority of French immigrants identified as right-leaning and supported Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Political polarization in Israel is evident in classrooms and communities, affecting French immigrants.
- Many French-Israelis struggle to find alternatives to Benjamin Netanyahu despite criticisms.
- A rift exists between some French immigrants and Israelis concerned about Netanyahu's leadership.
- Voters question Netanyahu's sole responsibility for security failures before the Hamas attacks.
- A 2018 survey indicated a right-leaning political identity among French immigrants in Israel.
The political climate in Israel is intensely polarized, with debates over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership extending beyond media platforms into everyday settings like primary school classrooms. A teacher's question to her students about whether Netanyahu's alleged lying and blackmail are permitted by the Torah highlights the deep divisions. Many French immigrants, particularly those in areas like Ramat Gan, are caught in the middle of this political fervor, creating a significant rift with some Israelis who view Netanyahu's continued premiership as a threat to the nation's future. Conversations in French-speaking synagogues reveal a complex mix of support and hesitation. Some express frustration with the lack of viable alternatives to Netanyahu, even while acknowledging his flaws and the criticisms against him. One voter, Keren, a doctor and supporter of Yaïr Golan, voiced her distress, stating, "The French only like Netanyahu, they don't understand the country." This sentiment underscores the anxiety many feel about the upcoming election's stakes. The question "Who else?" frequently arises among French-Israelis, suggesting that despite weariness with Netanyahu's long tenure and ongoing critiques, no other political figure has emerged as a strong contender. Some voters, like Émilie, question whether Netanyahu alone should bear responsibility for security failures preceding the October 7th Hamas attacks, referencing former Prime Minister Bennett's brief tenure. This hesitation reflects a reluctance to assign sole blame. Yoni, a community center manager, observed that while French voters lean right, their support for Netanyahu himself is uncertain, though they may favor his coalition. A 2018 survey of French immigrants indicated a strong right-leaning political identity, with a majority supporting Netanyahu remaining Prime Minister, and a significant portion identifying as religious or traditional. These demographic factors help explain the continued affinity for nationalist and religious parties among some French-Israelis, and their focus on security and the Jewish character of the state.