The Victimhood Paradox: How Netanyahu’s Populism is a Double-Edged Sword

Benjamin Netanyahu has spent his career mastering the art of self-victimization, deflecting blame and whipping up support among his base. This strategy has served him well, but it’s worth examining whether it will ultimately be his undoing.

Netanyahu’s reliance on grievance and victimhood has become a hallmark of his tenure as prime minister. From the moment he took office, he portrayed himself as a perpetual outsider fighting against an establishment out to get him. This narrative resonated with many Israelis, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who felt excluded by the Ashkenazi elite.

However, beneath this populist façade lies a more complex reality. Netanyahu’s victimhood is not just a marketing ploy – it’s also a symptom of a deeper cultural problem in Israel. The country’s Jewish identity has long been tied to a narrative of victimhood, from the Holocaust to the ongoing conflict with Palestinians. This collective trauma has created a sense of siege mentality among many Israelis, who see themselves as under constant attack.

Netanyahu has tapped into this sentiment by positioning himself as a target of criticism, using his own status to whip up support among his base. However, in doing so, he’s also perpetuated the cycle of violence and polarization that he claims to be fighting against. By claiming victimhood, Netanyahu is essentially saying he can’t be held accountable for his actions – a message that resonates with some Israelis but ultimately undermines trust in government.

The parallels between Netanyahu’s tactics and those used by populist politicians like Donald Trump are striking. Both have portrayed themselves as targets of “fake news” and “deep state” conspiracies, using language to whip up support among their bases. India’s Narendra Modi has also employed this rhetoric, positioning himself as a champion of the marginalized.

Netanyahu’s ability to tap into Israel’s complex identity politics sets him apart from his peers. He uses Zionist rhetoric to justify settler violence, playing on deep-seated fears among many Israelis about their status as a Jewish minority in the Middle East.

Critics argue that Netanyahu’s populism is a thinly veiled attempt to distract from his real failures. They’re right: his record on poverty, inequality, and social justice is abysmal – yet he continues to peddle a narrative that pits himself against the system he’s supposed to lead.

As Israel hurtles towards its 13th election in just over two decades, it’s time to examine Netanyahu’s legacy. Will his continued reliance on victimhood ultimately prove to be his downfall, or will it fuel a cycle of polarization and violence that threatens Israeli society?

The answer lies not just with Netanyahu but with the broader cultural trends at play in Israel today. As Dani Filc noted, “populism builds on a victimized people.” Netanyahu has expertly manipulated this narrative for years – with devastating consequences.

It’s time to hold him accountable for his actions and question whether this brand of populism truly serves Israel or perpetuates a cycle of violence that leads only to more suffering.