As Benjamin Netanyahu approaches his 13th parliamentary election, he continues to leverage a narrative of victimhood to deflect mounting criticism over his tenure.
Benjamin Netanyahu holds the distinction of being Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, having navigated nearly two decades of political turbulence across three separate tenures. Despite presiding over significant internal security failures and intense international scrutiny regarding the conflict in Gaza, he remains a central figure in Israeli governance. As he approaches his 13th parliamentary election, observers note that he continues to rely on a well-honed strategy: deflecting accountability for systemic failures
This approach involves a sophisticated use of populist rhetoric that resonates deeply with his core base. Rather than addressing specific allegations, such as the intelligence lapses preceding the October 7, 2023, attacks, Netanyahu often pivots to narratives involving "foreign interference" or internal sabotage. vely shifts the conversation away from his policy record and toward a defensive posture that his supporters recognize and support.
Political psychologists suggest that Netanyahu’s reliance on victimhood is not merely a tactical choice but a foundational element of his political identity. maintains a connection with voters who feel alienated from traditional power structures. This dichotomy—the leader against the establishment—allows him to bypass criticism e people he represents.
This narrative is particularly effective among his Likud base, many of whom have long-standing grievances against the nation’s historical Ashkenazi establishment. olitical struggles into a broader battle for cultural identity. This framing provides a shield against accountability, as supporters view his political survival as synonymous with their own resistance against elite forces within the media and the judiciary.
Recent months have seen a intensification of these tactics. Following reports that suggested he received advance warning of the Hamas-led attacks, Netanyahu opted for legal maneuvers and counter-accusations rather than a transparent review of security protocols. His rhetoric has often included claims that security officials purposefully withheld information or failed to act, effectively placing the burden of failure on the very institutions he oversees. This strategy allows him to maintain an image of competence while distancing himself from the outcomes of his government’s policies.
Observers point out that this "victim-as-perpetrator" dynamic provides several strategic advantages. hical norms, as the defensive nature of their position is treated as a justification for unconventional behavior. This, combined with the populist appeal of his messaging, helps to insulate him from the consequences that might typically derail a long-standing political career in more conventional democratic systems.
As Israel prepares for another electoral cycle, the discourse surrounding Netanyahu remains polarized. His efforts to compare himself to a bullied child in political advertisements highlight the intentional nature of his branding. has been in power for years, reminding his audience that he is still the primary target of those who wish to see his political project dismantled.