Media Personality Criticizes Analyst's Portrayal of Netanyahu
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Media personality Shi Golden criticized Dr. Avishai Ben Haim for portraying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a victim of political persecution. Golden argued that Ben Haim's narrative, which frames criticism of Netanyahu as proof of his greatness, contains internal contradictions. He questioned how someone championing Mizrahi identity could be an affluent Ashkenazi, and how a powerful figure could simultaneously claim to be the "biggest victim." Golden concluded by stating that he, like Ben Haim, had been used as a tool by Netanyahu.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Media personality Shi Golden criticized Dr. Avishai Ben Haim's portrayal of PM Netanyahu.
- Golden argued Ben Haim interprets criticism of Netanyahu as proof of his greatness.
- He questioned Ben Haim's self-portrayal as a victim while being a powerful Ashkenazi.
- Golden stated Netanyahu cynically uses victimhood narratives for political gain.
- He admitted he, too, was once used as a tool by Netanyahu.
Media personality Shi Golden has published a sharp critique of Dr. Avishai Ben Haim, targeting his recent statements on Channel 14's "The Patriots" program. Golden criticizes Ben Haim's tendency to interpret any criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as proof of his greatness and as evidence of political persecution.
Golden began by expressing personal and professional admiration for Ben Haim, acknowledging him as a brilliant former reporter on Haredi affairs and a person who values truth and justice. However, Golden argued that since joining "The Patriots," Ben Haim has framed various issues, including the "Qatar Gate" affair, criticism of the Gaza war management, and a recent Knesset speech, as demonstrations of Netanyahu's inner strength against his critics.
Golden pointed out what he sees as a contradiction in Ben Haim's arguments, particularly given Ben Haim's association with the Mizrahi and "Second Israel" discourse. Golden questioned how Ben Haim, who champions Mizrahi identity, could be an Ashkenazi from an affluent Jerusalem neighborhood. He also highlighted the paradox of someone described as immensely powerful, accomplished, and wealthy simultaneously portraying themselves as the "biggest victim" in Israeli history, stating, "Alfred Dreyfus was a piker next to him."
Golden further questioned the logic behind claims of victimhood attributed to Netanyahu. He asked if Netanyahu is truly weak and using his victimhood narrative to gain support, or if he is a strong figure who manipulates the feelings of those who have genuinely suffered from discrimination, like those from Mizrahi backgrounds. Golden asserted that Netanyahu is the one who is arrogant, not the one who is victimized.
Golden drew a parallel between Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, suggesting that while Netanyahu cynically exploits the pain of Mizrahi community members for political gain, Eisenkot, who grew up with Mizrahi parents and reportedly experienced racism, is presented as representing the "arrogant Ashkenazim."
Concluding his post, Golden addressed Ben Haim directly, referencing his own past support for Channel 14. He stated that while he understands the sentiment, it differs from factual reality. Golden believes Netanyahu is cynical towards Ben Haim and his intellectual-emotional logic, using him as a tool to enhance his own power, just as Golden felt he himself was used. "We are all tools for his operation in his eyes. All of us. It's important for you to know," Golden wrote.
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