What it is about
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu equated the recent anti-Israel protests on U.S. campuses with the ongoing protests in Israel to highlight the disconnect between protest movements and the broader public opinion.
Why it matters
This comparison underscores Netanyahu’s effort to challenge narratives that do not reflect the sentiments of the majority of Israelis, who largely support the government’s actions against Hamas. By associating local protests with external anti-Israel demonstrations, Netanyahu seeks to fortify Israel’s resolve and unity in the face of both internal and external adversaries.
Netanyahu’s Engagement
In a recent CNBC interview, Netanyahu asserted that the anti-Israel campus protests in the U.S. mirror the demonstrations in Israel. He emphasized that these organized protests do not represent the majority opinion. Instead, he pointed out that a substantial segment of Israelis back him in his determination to defeat Hamas and continue military operations in Gaza for the nation’s security.
An Appeal to National Unity
Netanyahu conveyed that supporting the Gaza campaign reflects the public’s resolve for victory and the eradication of terrorist threats. This narrative pivots towards fostering a sense of unity and the common goal of ensuring national security and stability in the region.
Continuous Struggles
Previously, similar analogies were observed when Netanyahu compared protests against judicial reforms to destructive acts in the region. These judicial reforms are aimed at reinstating significant changes that promote governmental balance, a move supported by many despite the protests spearheaded by political partisans.
Highlighting Differing Agendas
Netanyahu’s approach delineates between the ideological campaigns against Israel seen in Western institutions and the domestic pace towards strengthening Israeli governance. In stressing this, he critiques the protest motivations to delegitimize and diminish opposing political actors who disrupt national cohesion.
Strategic Positioning
The Prime Minister’s comparisons serve a larger purpose: showcasing internal strife not as organic dissent but as orchestrations unrepresentative of Israel’s collective will. Netanyahu positions himself and his government as protectors of Israel’s majority consensus and stability, distancing Israel from international misconceptions.
This story was first published on jpost.com.