Netanyahu Criticized as Israel's Worst Prime Minister
In a recent opinion piece published in Haaretz, Israeli writer Nehemiah Strassler has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, labeling him the 'worst prime minister since the establishment of the state.' Strassler argues that Netanyahu's leadership is characterized by a series of failures stemming from his cowardly and hesitant nature, which he claims has led to a deepening of security threats and divisions within Israeli society. The writer highlights Netanyahu's inability to make decisive decisions, particularly regarding the defense budget, which has left the nation vulnerable to threats from groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Misguided Strategies and Security Threats
Strassler criticizes Netanyahu's approach to the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Hezbollah, accusing him of relying solely on deterrence strategies. He asserts that Netanyahu's miscalculations have inadvertently bolstered the military capabilities of these groups, with millions of dollars transferred to Hamas under the false pretense of fostering peace and economic growth. Instead, these funds have been used to strengthen Hamas's military forces, as Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar successfully deceived Netanyahu into believing in their desire for peace.
Dividing Society for Political Gain
Beyond security issues, Strassler accuses Netanyahu of intentionally dividing Israeli society to maintain his political power. He claims that Netanyahu exploits societal rifts, fostering hatred between various factions, including religious versus secular groups and different ethnic backgrounds. This 'strategy of hatred' has reportedly been a key element in Netanyahu's political survival, as echoed by a leaked statement from a close adviser, which emphasized that hatred unites their political camp. Strassler warns that Netanyahu's continued leadership poses an existential threat to Israel, as the nation grapples with deepening divisions and deteriorating social, economic, and security conditions.
