Netanyahu’s Political ‘Golden Parachute’ Signals Fear of Election Defeat

A Hebrew opinion article argues that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spent the past months building a political and regulatory “golden parachute” as he braces for possible defeat in the next election. The piece says his protection would not be a cash payout, but a network of appointments and institutional changes meant to preserve his influence and shield him after he leaves office.

The article claims Netanyahu has been prioritizing loyalty over professionalism in key appointments, citing the selection of David Zini as head of the Shin Bet, Roman Gofman as military secretary, and Doron Cohen as civil service commissioner. It says the appointment of Michael Ravilo as state comptroller was especially extreme because Ravilo has served as Netanyahu’s personal lawyer and handled his finances and other sensitive matters.

It also cites other recent developments it presents as signs of weakening political fortune, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s election loss, Donald Trump’s recent comment on ABC that he was not sure Netanyahu wants to run again, and the Likud party court’s decision not to expel former defense minister Yoav Gallant. The article adds that the Knesset spent time debating the immunity of MK Tally Gotliv during missile fire from Iran, which it portrays as another sign of institutional decline.

According to the article, Netanyahu is preparing for the possibility that he will need a deal to exit politics without criminal stigma. It says the goal of the appointments and arrangements is to reduce his exposure if he loses, and it suggests he may try to secure a departure that leaves him without “ignominy” while abandoning some of his allies.