Netanyahu's Leadership Under Fire
Israeli writer Lior Ackerman has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserting that he will not relinquish power until he has fundamentally undermined the state of Israel. Ackerman, who heads the National Resilience Department at the Institute for Policy and Strategy at Reichman University, claims that Netanyahu's administration has been systematically dismantling the country's legal framework over the past two years. He cites actions such as the controversial appointment of far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to oversee the Israel Police, which he argues violates administrative protocols.
Ackerman's article in Maariv highlights Netanyahu's confrontational approach towards key state institutions, including the Attorney General and the military's Chief of Staff. He accuses Netanyahu of fostering a culture of hostility, where ministers are encouraged to attack judicial figures and law enforcement officials. The writer emphasizes that Netanyahu's tactics could lead to serious legal repercussions, including potential arrest warrants from the International Court of Justice for himself and senior military officials.
The Erosion of Democracy
The critique extends to Netanyahu's alleged suppression of media freedoms and the exacerbation of societal divisions, particularly through laws that favor the Haredi community. Ackerman describes Netanyahu as inciting against dissenters and undermining public trust in vital institutions. He argues that Netanyahu's recent public addresses have included unfounded accusations against the Shin Bet and police investigators, which he claims are part of a broader strategy to consolidate power and evade accountability.
Ackerman warns that Netanyahu's continued governance threatens the very fabric of Israeli democracy, stating, "There is not much left for this government to destroy." He lists the erosion of the judicial system, media integrity, and public services as critical areas under threat. The writer concludes with a dire prediction: if Netanyahu remains in power, the consequences could be catastrophic for Israel's democratic institutions and societal cohesion.
