This latest hostage deal, where Israel has once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, is becoming the final straw for many of the Netanyahu apologists. For years we’ve heard how Netanyahu is the best we have, its better him than someone else, he’s “right-wing”…
Netanyahu supporters overlook and find explanations his continuation of Oslo through the Wye agreements and continued embrace of Arafat. They turn a blind eye to the release of thousands of hardcore Arab terrorists, first in the Gilad Shalit embarrassment and later as a "gesture" to Obama and Kerry. They disregard the dismantling of settlements and hilltops that occurred under his watch. If it were Shimon Peres undertaking these actions, Netanyahu supporters would be calling for his head.
There are two reasons why Netanyahu is so popular among right-wing nationalist Jews, despite his policies. First, because he is so reviled by the left and the Israel-bashing world media, it causes us to instinctively like him. Anything that these leftists despise, we automatically support.
But this is wrong. We have to think with our heads, and not with our heart. Do we like Biden more because the Arabs in America are protesting him? We can’t evaluate leaders by reacting to the reactions of others. We have to evaluate them on their actions and the impact on the nation.
The other reason many are drawn to Netanyahu is that he is a great speaker in two languages. This reminds me of a Jackie Mason routine where he makes fun of the fact that we choose leaders based on their speaking abilities.
Would you go to a dentist because he gives a great speech? Would you say, "Well, he destroyed my mouth, did a terrible job, but... what a speaker!" Or would you hire a plumber because he's a good speaker? So why is it that when we are talking about someone who has to solve big, world problems, we evaluate them based on their rhetoric skills?
What Netanyahu excelled at is holding onto his seat as Prime Minister. He achieved political success by pretending to be a "Kahanist" before each election. Suddenly, before an election, he would speak of the growing Arab vote and emphasizes that we shouldn't allow them to determine who the next Prime Minister will be. Before the last election, he openly supported Ben Gvir.
He understands that the majority of the people of Israel are essentially right wing. However, when he comes to power, he reverts to his "centrist" stance.
After the October 7th massacre, we all thought that maybe now, Netanyahu would do the right thing – that he would finish off the Hamas. But he capitulated once again. Are we to continue to believe him or is he a snake-oil salesman who fools us over and over again? The day the ceasefire ends we will receive the answer.
Lenny Goldberg lives in Kfar Tapuach in Samaria with his wife and eight children and is author of the book "The Wit and Wisdom of Rabbi Kahane".