Like Trump, Netanyahu Finds the Limits to Fear-Mongering
By leaning into nativist absolutism, Netanyahu almost doubled the Arab vote, creating a political — and foundational — crisis for Israel.
The recent Israeli election has brought to light the challenges of relying on fear-mongering as a political strategy, a tactic also employed by former US President Donald Trump. Benjamin Netanyahu's approach, which emphasized nativist absolutism, appears to have backfired, leading to a significant increase in Arab voter turnout. This surge in voting, nearly doubling the Arab vote, has created a political crisis for Netanyahu and the Israeli government.
The outcome of the election has significant implications for the Israeli political landscape. Netanyahu's reliance on fear-mongering and divisive rhetoric may have galvanized his base, but it also seems to have mobilized his opponents. The increased Arab voter turnout has put pressure on Netanyahu's coalition and raises questions about the long-term viability of his government's policies. This development highlights the risks of using fear and division as a primary means of mobilizing support.
As the Israeli government navigates this crisis, there are several key factors to watch. The formation of a new government, or the potential for another election, will be closely watched. Additionally, the implications of this election outcome for Israeli politics and society, including the potential for increased polarization and social unrest, will be important to monitor. The international community will also be paying close attention to how this development affects the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the region more broadly.
Originally reported by nytimes.com. MyNews adds analysis for general news readers.