Consider This from NPR: How Netanyahu Survived Another Tumultuous Year
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host: Juana Summers
Reporter: Daniel Estrin

Introduction: A Year of Crisis and Contention

In the tumultuous year leading up to the end of 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has navigated through a maelstrom of political, military, and legal challenges. From a devastating attack by Hamas to widespread protests against judicial reforms, Netanyahu's tenure has been marked by significant upheaval. Despite these obstacles, he remains a dominant figure in Israeli politics. This episode of NPR’s Consider This delves into the factors that have allowed Netanyahu to maintain his grip on power amidst adversity.

Initial Crisis: The October 7th Hamas Attack

The year began under a shadow of crisis when Hamas launched a ferocious attack on October 7th, breaching Israel's border with Gaza. This assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of over 250 hostages, marking the deadliest day in Israeli history.

Daniel Estrin recounts the immediate aftermath:

“I remember the night of October 7th, the attack. I met a father in a hospital. He was looking for his missing daughter. Turned out later we learned she had been killed.”
[04:09]

The magnitude of this security failure sparked intense backlash against Netanyahu, with public opinion polls showing that 76% of Israelis initially called for his resignation.

Protests and Judicial Overhaul: Erosion of Public Support

Beyond the immediate fallout from the Hamas attack, Netanyahu's political standing had been under siege since the summer of 2023. His proposal to overhaul Israel’s judicial system ignited massive protests, drawing hundreds of thousands of Israelis to the streets. These demonstrations were a direct response to Netanyahu's attempts to reshape the judiciary, a move that many perceived as a threat to democratic checks and balances.

Furthermore, Netanyahu's coalition with far-right ultra-nationalists amplified public discontent. The precarious nature of this alliance led to chants of "weak" as he was sworn into office, highlighting the fragility of his governance.

Adding to his woes, Netanyahu has been grappling with corruption charges since 2019. These allegations culminated in his court appearance in December 2024, where he has vehemently denied the charges, labeling them as “absurd” ([00:51]).

Netanyahu's Resilience: Deflecting Blame and Military Successes

Despite the significant opposition, Netanyahu has managed to sustain his leadership. Daniel Estrin explains the strategies behind his resilience:

“He's deflected blame and he's put all the focus on Hamas and he has directed all the focus away from him.”
[05:00]

Netanyahu has capitalized on military victories, portraying himself as a stalwart defender of Israel. Under his leadership, Israel has seen the degradation of Hamas and Hezbollah, the elimination of their leaders, and military actions against Iran and the Houthis in Yemen. These actions have been instrumental in crafting a narrative of strength and resurgence.

Moreover, Netanyahu has leveraged the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant as a tool to rally nationalist sentiments within Israel. The ICC is largely viewed as biased against Israel, thereby minimizing the impact of the warrant on his domestic standing.

Current Political Standing: A Polarized Nation

Despite Netanyahu’s efforts, his popularity has seen a modest rebound, stabilizing between 30-40% support. This figure represents a recovery from the plummet following the October 7th attack but remains below pre-crisis levels.

Public dissatisfaction persists, evidenced by ongoing protests and accusations that Netanyahu prioritizes his political survival over critical issues such as the release of hostages held by Hamas. Many citizens blame him for obstructing potential deals that could secure the hostages' freedom, attributing these blockages to pressure from his far-right coalition partners who threaten to withdraw support otherwise.

An insightful comparison was drawn by Israeli American pollster Dalia Sheindlin, likening the current situation to the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War fifty years ago when Prime Minister Golda Meir resigned amidst large-scale protests and a sense of collective responsibility:

“Netanyahu does not share that sense of responsibility over accountability.”
[07:18]

This stance contrasts sharply with historical precedents, highlighting Netanyahu’s reluctance to step down despite significant pressure.

Legal Battles: Corruption Trials and Public Perception

Netanyahu's corruption trial, which reached a pivotal moment in December 2024, has not significantly dented his popularity. Instead, he has adeptly used the courtroom as a platform to bolster his image, portraying the charges as politically motivated attacks.

In a recent courtroom appearance, Netanyahu addressed the public:

“These charges, the corruption charges he's facing are frivolous... dealing with what really matters. I'm at the forefront of history in the Middle East.”
[07:30]

His decision to prioritize visits to Israeli troops over court proceedings further reinforces his image as a leader committed to national security over personal legal battles.

Conclusion: Netanyahu's Enduring Dominance

As the year concludes, Benjamin Netanyahu stands as a testament to political endurance in the face of multifaceted challenges. Through strategic deflection, military assertiveness, and controlling the narrative around his legal troubles, he has maintained his position as Israel’s Prime Minister. However, with public support hovering between 30-40% and ongoing protests, Netanyahu's future remains uncertain. The comparison to Golda Meir’s resignation suggests that history may yet have more to unfold for Israel's longstanding political figure.

NPR’s Daniel Estrin provides an in-depth analysis from Tel Aviv, offering a nuanced understanding of Netanyahu's complex political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel Estrin on the initial attack and its impact:
  “I remember the night of October 7th, the attack. I met a father in a hospital. He was looking for his missing daughter. Turned out later we learned she had been killed.”
  [04:09]

• Daniel Estrin on Netanyahu’s deflection of blame:
  “He's deflected blame and he's put all the focus on Hamas and he has directed all the focus away from him.”
  [05:00]

• Dalia Sheindlin on Netanyahu’s accountability:
  “Netanyahu does not share that sense of responsibility over accountability.”
  [07:18]

• Daniel Estrin on the corruption trial’s impact:
  “These charges, the corruption charges he's facing are frivolous... dealing with what really matters. I'm at the forefront of history in the Middle East.”
  [07:30]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who have not listened to the original podcast.