Netanyahu Accused of Hypocrisy Over Anti-Bullying Video

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video on Sunday that uses the issue of child bullying to criticize the democratic movement seeking his removal from office. The article argues that Netanyahu's use of the sensitive topic is manipulative and hypocritical, asserting he has no moral standing to preach against boycotts given his own history of leading or participating in them.

The video features a mother whose son is being bullied, leading her to discard signs reading 'Only Not Bibi.' Netanyahu equates this child's ostracization with the political opposition against him, a comparison the article refutes. It highlights that while school bullying can cause severe psychological harm, including suicidal ideation, the political opposition aims only to end his tenure as prime minister.

The piece questions whether Netanyahu's past meeting with children who experienced bullying, alongside his wife and other officials, was a genuine effort or a tactic to legitimize his claim that the political opposition is unjust. The article contends that Netanyahu himself has led boycotts against institutions, individuals, and media outlets.

Examples cited include the Justice Minister and other cabinet members refusing to recognize or cooperate with Supreme Court President Isaac Amit, leading to delays in judicial appointments. The Prime Minister's Office and the Knesset Speaker have also excluded Amit from state events. Furthermore, the government is accused of boycotting the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, by ignoring her legally binding opinions and attempting to dismiss her, a move blocked by the High Court.

Netanyahu is also criticized for boycotting significant portions of the media, including a directive for government bodies to cease advertising with the newspaper 'Haaretz' and refraining from interviews with major outlets since the war began, except for friendly channels and podcasts. The article also recalls past boycotts of media outlets like Galatz radio and Channel 12, and Netanyahu's previous leadership of a Knesset boycott of committees when he was in opposition, which paralyzed important legislative bodies for over a year and a half.