Columnist Flees to Vienna, Blames Netanyahu for Division
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Columnist Nir Kifnis, writing from Vienna, expresses deep frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters, feeling they have exacerbated national divisions. He argues that external threats do not differentiate between Israelis, yet political leaders foster internal discord. Kifnis believes any legal means are justified to remove Netanyahu, hoping for a future leader focused on national welfare. He finds it easier to process his anger far from Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Columnist Nir Kifnis is writing from Vienna, having fled election news and expressing disappointment with Netanyahu.
- Kifnis criticizes Netanyahu and his supporters for deepening national divisions, especially after the October 7th attacks.
- He argues that external threats to Israel do not distinguish between political factions or social classes.
- The columnist believes any legal means are justified to remove Netanyahu from power.
- Kifnis hopes for a future leader who prioritizes Israel's welfare over personal gain.
Columnist Nir Kifnis, writing from Vienna where he is staying to escape the election news, expresses deep disappointment with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters. Kifnis states that he never imagined he would reach this conclusion, but feels Netanyahu has left him no choice but to criticize him and his base.
He reflects on the unity felt after the October 7th attacks, contrasting it with the current political divisions. Kifnis argues that the threats facing Israel, whether from Iran or Hamas, do not distinguish between political affiliations or socioeconomic status, affecting all Israelis equally. He criticizes the notion that the conflict is solely about left versus right, asserting it is about the individual who has become the sole representative of a particular viewpoint.
Kifnis admits to being wrong in his previous belief that the divisions would be overcome, particularly after the events of October 7th. He expresses anger not at those who hold differing views on Israel's borders, but at those who have elevated Netanyahu, whom he describes as driven by personal gain, into the sole spokesperson for a legitimate opinion.
He recounts his previous column advocating for the inclusion of Arab Israelis in a future government, admitting his hands trembled while writing it due to fear of alienating those he considers 'lost brethren.' However, subsequent events have only strengthened his conviction that alliances with any possible faction are necessary to remove Netanyahu from power. Kifnis concludes that while Israel's challenges will persist, he hopes for a future leader prioritizing Israel's welfare over personal interests, and finds solace in expressing his anger over wine in Vienna.
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