On November 1, 1988, Benjamin Netanyahu, a journalist, political scientist, educator and son of noted Israeli nationalist educator Ben Zion Netanyahu (1910-2012) was first elected to the Knesset representing the Likud Party. On St. Patrick's Day 2015, Mr. Netanyahu was reelected to the Knesset for the ninth time; the fourth of which recognized as Prime Minister of Israel and leader of the Likud Party. In these 27 years, the nearly 66 year old PM has been largely responsible in remaking Israel, and by extension the identity of the Jewish People themselves, into a mirror image of himself.
What I mean by that is Bibi, as he is known by admirers and detractors alike, has become the effective one person leader whose actions, statements, and beliefs are enacted as instantly as one can snap a finger. Certainly other Israeli political leaders have come and gone during this time; most notably Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel Sharon, each one representing three different political ideologies. And yet, it has been Benjamin Netanyahu that has been defining the agenda for Israel at least throughout this time frame. There can be little doubt that as of today, the political mind frame of the Israeli and Jewish identity has become more right leaning and nationalist in approach and needs.
Why is that? Sitting at my desk tonight, in a country that I hope has turned more leftward and inclusive though it could be easy to say on my end being in New York; the fact that the leadership of the Jewish State has been mainly right-wing conservative these years while many American Jews identify themselves as Democrats, seems odd. Yet, that seems to be the kicker: the US is a land mass that has yet to be systemically attacked militarily and in forms of actual terrorism. The US is surrounded east and west by two oceans. It is not bordered by neighboring countries that have a claimant on the land for religious reasons, to say nothing of secular reasons. It has not used nuclear ambiguity: officially denying nuclear weaponry while keeping a large supply in facilities over the decades such as Dimona.
Moreover, the US, protestations from Christians notwithstanding, is mainly a secular nation. Religion does not matter as political policy. To put it another way, laws and guidelines from the great Jewish texts such as the Talmud and the Torah Is official political policy in Israel. It is not stated in the Basic Law of the land; yet with at least four political parties that lean right and some of which are more conservative than Likud, you can see why Judaism plays a role in everyday life in Israel.
There is another huge difference in the political leadership of Benjamin Netanyahu as opposed to other leaders. Mr. Netanyahu is, like it or not, a theorist and educator first before anything. In speeches and writings, the PM has referenced noted politicians and historians to make a point, valid or invalid. One such historian mentioned is Bernard Lewis. I can remember needing to read Bernard Lewis' writings in one of my Hofstra courses on International Relations; not everything was agreeable, yet I came away from Mr. Lewis' writings at least understanding his viewpoint. One such viewpoint is the issue of Iran relative to its acquiring of a nuclear weapon. The mindset of the current Iranian leadership, namely Ayatollah Khamenei and the leadership of the Supreme Council, views time not as how we view it in instances for days and weeks and months. Time is viewed more fluidly; a day is but an hour, a year only a mere day. Memories and remembrances persist, long after the forefathers pass away and the centuries continue. Thus, acquiring a nuclear arsenal does not matter if it comes in 2015 or even 2115. For the Iranian leadership, the idea will manifest and be enacted upon. And once something is legally acquired; its usage is imminent when the time comes. The Bernard Lewis quote is something to the extant of " Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon is not a deterrent; it is an inducement." Not many politicians will say such things. Benjamin Netanyahu is such a person who says these things.
And it is these ideas and statements from a geopolitical leader that draws attention to those that need the attention: the voters. You know, it was a similar ideal taking place during the Iranian presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; A Muslim theorist and educator whose ideals and writings prompted Iranians from 2005-2013 to consider these processes. The irony of it all is Mr. Ahmadinejad was a politically liberal minded President more in tune, so to speak, with our current leadership. By contrast, Iran is now more directly in the hands of right-leaning clerics who do indeed feel acquiring nuclear technology as an inducement to be enacted upon when the time comes. Knowing that, could it be any surprise that more turnout was present last Tuesday in the Knesset elections; with the idea that the very existence of the Jewish identity was being threatened, imaginary or otherwise. Could it be a surprise to anyone that the idea of a Zionist Union led government, while far more preferred for myself and the world at large, would strike concern to more nationalist right-leaning Israelis that a surprising turnout, likely fueled by election fraud, would alter the predictions of many that would lead Likud to have the plurality in the Knesset once more.
As I said, this was not the outcome many expected. Yet, Benjamin Netanyahu is still Prime Minister of Israel; maybe the most influential PM Israel has put forth in its 68 year history. I think this is mainly due to his educational and journalistic acumen; a rare feat these days. So, now that Bibi is here to stay; what will the US and World response be? If you want to, do leave comments below regarding this essay. I do like being a bit more interactive in this approach. I shall also in a later time look at what may come for the Middle East as it heads to a war which, sad to say, is imminent. One can only hope peace breaks out.
Talk to you again shortly,
Robert
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