Israel’s Minister of All Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo Credit: AP, File Image
On November 18th, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named himself Defense Minister in addition to also being the Foreign Minister and Health Minister.
He began his speech with a long and detailed account of the five years he spent in the military, as a soldier and officer in the IDF’s most elite of units, Sayeret Matka. He also spoke about how he almost died in the Suez Canal during the War of Attrition. He also mentioned how he was wounded in the rescue mission on the hijacked Sabena Airliner in 1972. He did not mention that he was wounded by friendly fire. He also mentioned his brother, Yoni’s death in Entebbe.
He emphasized his combat record, not only because he assumed the post of Defense Minister, but also because this was his first election speech of the 2019 campaign.
Experts and media are expecting snap elections, and according to Haaretz it is likely that Benjamin Netanyahu will lose them. The Prime Minister, of course, refuses to acknowledge that there will be elections.
Netanyahu insisted that there should be no election for another 12 months and that in such “a complex security period” it would be “irresponsible” to hold an early election.
“We are in them midst of a military campaign, and you don’t leave during a campaign, you don’t play with politics,” he said, criticizing former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s decision to resign, as well as Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who is threatening to also leave. “The security of the state is above all else,” Netanyahu said.
He also condemned that Jewish Home Chairman Bennett demanded a ministerial position as a condition to stay in the coalition. “There is no place for politics or personal considerations,” when it comes to Israel’s security.
The current Education minister threatened to “bring down the government” if he is not named Defense Minister. Without the Jewish Home, Netanyahu’s coalition would shrink from 61 seats to just 53 and lose the required majority of the 120-seat Knesset to survive no-confidence motions.
Bennett, along with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked also threatened to leave the government on the morning of November 19th.
It should be OK, however, even if both Bennett and Shaked resign. Netanyahu is more than likely capable of encompassing all minister positions in his own cabinet, to highlight Israel as “the only democracy in the Middle East.” And not simply a totalitarian regime in which the Prime Minister can also hold three different positions in his own cabinet simultaneously.
On the morning of November 19th, Bennett and Shaked walked back on their resignation threats handing Netanyahu a “big win”. The Education Minister also downplayed “the apocalyptic predictions” that Netanyahu made in his speech.
“We are facing a security challenge not because of an apocalyptic reason but because there have always been threats,” Bennett said. ”Something bad is happening to Israel. We have stopped winning.”
In his Trump-style, “winning-focused” speech Bennett also reiterated the government’s inability to implement right-wing policies.
“The ship, called the State of Israel, is floating in a wrong direction,” Bennett said. “There is what to do and when Israel decides to win we will go back to winning.”
He also reiterated that Netanyahu is capable of restoring Israel’s strength and deterrence and if that happens the Education Minister would remove all his conditions.
Netanyahu didn’t explain why this week suddenly constitutes a more complex security period than any other period. However, he did explain in four different ways within the space of two minutes that as the leader he makes the decisions based on confidential intelligence and that the Israeli public just has to trust him on it. He, however, didn’t mention Gaza a single time, nor the ceasefire with Hamas that led to Lieberman’s resignation.
Netanyahu’s speech was obviously aimed at changing the narrative from the weak and war-shy prime minister to that of Israel’s ultimate security chief.
It is also not uncommon for Israeli officials to hold various posts in government. Lieberman began his government career in 2001, as Minister of National Infrastructure, then as Minister of Transportation, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Strategic Affairs, once more as Deputy Prime Minister, twice as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and finally as Minister of Defense.
It is interesting to mention that Netanyahu isn’t the first Prime Minister to also assume the role of Defense Chief. David Ben-Gurion was both during most of his time in power. Levi Eshkol did it, until on the eve of the Six-Day War. Menachem Begin did it. Yitzhak Rabin in his second term and so did Ehud Barak.
Also considering Israeli’s approach towards the Palestinians, it is not really surprising that Israel appears to not be such a “staple of democracy,” as it attempts to present itself as.
However, with Netanyahu being Prime Minister and also assuming three other ministerial roles at the same time means that Israel’s leadership has lost all semblance of modesty.
Even the condemned and “evil” Syrian President Bashar al-Assad only keeps his presidential position and assumes no other office in government.
It would be interesting, however, what the international outcry would be if Assad also announced that he is to become Syrian Foreign, Defense and Health Minister.
Oh well ……… he’s always ran the Government anyway – a sort of behind-the-scenes dictatorship so the fact that he is now formally assuming these Offices makes sense. Soon, he can give lessons to Jared and to Trump on how to be a proper little dictator ……… unlike their previous teacher-in-Riyadh bin-Salman.
And This is What USA is BACKING / AIDING / & DYING for one MAN GOVERNMENT ..Almost !
Let’s say a bloody dictator !
How are those muslim no-go zones working out for you?
Proof, as if it was needed, that the myth of muslim no-go zones is spread by ranting hasbara cockroaches sent by Israel.
Here’s just one example. Not sent by Israel. Sorry, I get to call out trash you like for free and fun. Yay loser!
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/17/french-bar-tells-women-isnt-paris-men/
you mean you’ve linked to a zio-owned pro-Israel spewing rag… so proving my point.
I can link to many more, but I don’t need to do the reseaufor you if you’re too lazy to do it yourself. Do proving my point.
Code diversion, diversion, diversion…
How about medium.com – as progressively liberal a blog if there ever was one. https://medium.com/@GatestoneInst/france-macron-buries-plan-to-rehabilitate-no-go-zones-8576538cdf1c
Feel free to obfuscate now.
And, how to double down on that Code diversion, diversion, diversion…
So I point you to one source, you don’t like it. I point you to a source diametrically opposed politically so you have both sides of the political spectrum and you have no answer other than to metaphorically stick your fingers in your ears and go nananana. Call me when you get a brain and have something intelligent to say, scarecrow.
Alas, standard Hasbara trolling sequence 101 – divert/deflect/demand/insult – simply will not work here.
Alas, you are not capable of responding with facts, intelligence or anything other than parroting the inane statement of the low brow Jew hater. Call me when you can do, well, anything. (Personally, I think you’re afraid to try and challenge me in any detail or on any factual basis bc you don’t want to be embarrassed in a public forum
You are reminiscent of a telemarketer-scammer – when thrown off the standard [Hasbara] 101 script – ie, divert/deflect/demand/insult – you get rather desperate, and just keep on doubling down on that same [scripted] losing hand.
Says the guy who hasnt said anything. Not one fact stated. Not one fact refuted. Only point made – that’s a Zionist need source. You really are struggling aren’t you? Sad when at least some of the people here can at default to some bigoted canard. You’re like a scratched record stuck on the same thing. You know, it’s no fun if you make it this easy to show the world how stupid you are.
‘Only point made – that’s a Zionist need source.’
So clarify what exactly is this supposed to mean?
You said that my original source was a zio-owned pro-Israel spewing rag. That’s the only statement you’ve made other than hasbara this,
Hasbara that. You’re a useless broken record…
Are you referring to this comment from an unrelated post above:
H Eccles@Really!? • 17 hours ago
you mean you’ve linked to a zio-owned pro-Israel spewing rag… so proving my point.
Realize you are troll on the defensive, but how about you actually try to work out who it is exactly that you are responding to, in any given moment, and attempt to accurately direct your responses accordingly. Think you can manage that?
Think of the savings!!!
Troubles in “paradise”?
Jewish democracy a-la Al-Saud style.
Jewish House of Saud….
“We are facing a security challenge not because of an apocalyptic reason but because there have always been threats,” Bennett said. ”Something bad is happening to Israel. We have stopped winning.”..
GOOD AIN’T IT ISRAHELL? WIPE THIS CRIMINAL BEACHHEAD OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH….
Why don’t you move to Gaza and help?
I’m doing my part no worries…
Yes, typing inane all caps comments is crucial to the anti-Israel movement. You are most definitely one of the most valuable arrows in that quiver. (I’m not only laughing on the inside…)
You tell me how can I help you sir….I’m with the Palestinians…. that’s for sure….
Yeah – please join Vittorio (and you will certainly get your just rewards just like him). https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-19622247
Code diversion, diversion, diversion…
Did your parents name you Bob because they knew it was the only way you’d ever be able to spell your name correctly?
He has many capabilities that how to butcher children in Palestine and take their land silently. He is a Crime Minister in short.
Assad was elected to his position. Big difference by parlimentary win and appointment with coalitions. Assad has even stated he is duly elected and if the new Constitution sets up new elections he will abide by it’s results.
This is nothing but infighting over power of beliefs what should be done no more or no less. Don’t complain about a Democracy when all you have over there is Dictators and Tyrants.
Apocalyptic Times for IsraHell….
Again, God willing.
Again, instead of being a keyboard cowboy, go to Gaza and do something. Vittorio Arrigoni is waiting for you over there.
And you are his right hand? Who says we are only keyboard cowboys…
who Vittorio, I’m just a fan. Maybe look him up before making stupid comments…
I already did bro….but it is easy to judge people while in fact you don’t know who they are or what they do or have done….right?
Be an open book in Gaza, Vittorio’s friends are waiting for you
Gimme some more details…. you are being very secretive…what are your relations with Gaza..? Are you a Palestinian…. Family up there?
Family just a bit north and west of Gaza. Please let me know when you’re going to gaza so I can tell Vittorio’s friends you’re headed there and they can look out for you.
North & East of Gaza is called IsraHell….in the West is the Mediterranean….what have you been doing or are you doing for Palestine?
That’s right North and East is Eretz Yisrael !!!!! I’m supporting Israel that’s what i’m doing. And this is what happened to Vittorio. Please go and join him, you moron. (Vittorio Arrigoni, 36, was seized on Thursday by a radical group that has been in conflict with Hamas and is seeking the release of its leader. Police said he was found hanged in a Gaza City)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-13088630
See it is very easy to find you Hasbaras….You will die soon Boy… IsraHell is done…. better learn to swim bitch…I meet a lot of Hasbara Motherfuckers these days…. are you Folks in panic?
Easy, you thought I was a terrorist sympathiser like you, you schmuck! I’ll die soon, yeah, what are you going to do about it. You’re too stupid to figure out that I was telling you to go to Gaza so the paLIEstinians can do to you what the did to Vittorio. Maybe now you get it – go to gaza moron, they’ll put you in a tunnel so the Israelis can blow it up on top of you. Loser.
Yeah I thought you were a Terrorist from IsraHell… but I needed to be sure… so I asked you a couple of trick questions….smart ain’t it? And you betrayed yourself because you were stupid enough to fall in my Hasbara-Trap…
Oh, please – you had no clue who Vittorio Arrigoni was. I’m also NOT from Israel. No, you’re not smart. You’re about as dumb as driftwood.
You are not Really sportsmanlike…. I got you and now you pretend you are not a Hasbara….Hasbaras always Lie & Cheat & Work with Smokescreens… Deceptive little Cockroaches… like you Boy…
A hasbara (if you knew what that actually was much like you didn’t know who Vittorio Arrigoni was) is a paid advocate for Israel. I get to do this for fun and for free. I’m not a hasbara. I’m an unabashedly proud Zionist. You got nothing because there’s nothing to “get” I admit who and what I am. Cute, though – calling me “boy” as though that’s an an insult from someone with the intellectual capacity of a gnat. Still waiting for you to have the courage of your convictions and move to gaza to fight the evil Israelis. Or are you too scared, sweetie?
Bring it on ZioNazi-Faggot….you Zio-Faggots will be Hunted down Worldwide soon Circumsised Khazarian Whore of SatanYahoo….
Ohhh, you’re homophobic too. What, daddy hug you a bit too tightly? Drop the soap a bit too often in prison and now you’re projecting? Now, of course, your Khazar conspiracy has been debunked so often it’s painful – go google it. Circumcision as an insult. Interesting. The billion plus muslims might have what to say about that. Besides, my little turtle, if you want to “bring it” go to gaza (or tell me where and when)
You Folks like to Rape & Kill Kids & Bake Matzas with Baby-Blood Right?
Ofcourse this never Really!? happened right Zio-Bitch?
OMG, really – make Matzah with baby’s blood. You also believe Israel trained sharks to go after Egyptians. I didn’t think you could get any dumber but it’s remarkable just how stupid you really are.
I believe IsraHell & Washington NeoCons did the 911 inside Job….IsraHell did the USS Liberty….That is what I Know….Bolshevik War Criminals went to IsraHell & got a Warm Welcome… that is a Fact….the Jews & the Dutch Organised the Slavetrade together…just a little History lesson boy… can’t find that in your or my History-Books
So you hate Jews because we’re communists and capitalists. Sure, makes sense. You should do some research on the Liberty so you can understand the facts surrounding the tragedy. The 9:11 conspiracy is just asinine, so that’s right up your alley.
Again, I’m not a hasbara, but if you’re capable of making a smart comment I’ll give you a smart answer. You’re just too stupid to do so.
Why are your IDF-Snipers Shooting Palestinian stonethrowing Kids in the Head? That is a good question that needs a smart answer…..
I found some links on the USS Liberty….I thought you might find them interesting
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2017/07/11/but-sir-its-an-american-ship-never-mind-hit-her-when-israel-attacked-uss-liberty/
https://www.google.nl/amp/s/www.globalresearch.ca/remembering-the-u-s-s-liberty/5593611/amp
https://www.google.nl/amp/s/www.globalresearch.ca/fifty-years-ago-the-israeli-attack-on-the-uss-liberty/5643586/amp
LOL, very subtle !!…… but still spot on.
I always Really! do my best to stay subtle….
Keyboard warriors are doing an important fight. I very rarely say something like this, but it is time for you to shut up.
It’s time for you to suck it. I tell Jew hating bigots that all the time. Deal with someone who challenges you or are you a coward like the rest of these morons.
I have defended and criticized both sides, it is over principles, not race or nationality. See my last comment regarding Israeli democracy. As for coward, I use my real name and my account is not private.
If you’re defending any of the people on this board who have called for the destruction of a sovereign nation, the nuking of that country and its people, the elimination of all Jews in the US if not globally, then you have no principles.
Actually I do. I would defend you as having right to speak your mind but one exception – telling others to not share views is something I do not like. I even posted a defence of jihadists as they should be heard and not deleted accounts. I also explained why. I would argue against your account be deleted. Although I frown on anyone shutting down debate as the sole purpose of posting.
Tell us your views, I will listen, but do not try to shut down speech.
Debate is one thing. You want to challenge Israeli policy sure. I’m ok with criticizing Israel, they’re not perfect. Jihadis expressing why they’re right is one thing. Advocating the genocide of a people is wrong, period. Calling for the elimination of an entire race of people is wrong, period. There’s a big difference in what you’re advocating and what these other mental midgets are doing. Not one of them has made an intelligent statement, made a logical argument, stated a rational political position (even an irrational one would be a step up). So if they’re going to to right to the gutter, then i’ll meet them there any day. After all, “never again” doesn’t mean that there will never be another genocide – these people are a testament to that. What it means is that it won’t go unoppposed and unanswered.
If you want to debate middle eastern politics, tribalism, history, etc., i’m happy to engage with you.
Thank you. And I have criticized calls for genocide before as I disagree. I am finishing an analysis on Israel and Russia relations and will be ready for publishing soon. I was invited to write it. I think you will find it of interest.
Please feel free to share. Intellectual debate is always worthwhile. As I tell my children, when you stop talking people start dying. On the other hand, these gnats are talking and it’s not really helping. As such, i’m sure you understand now why I challenge them on their level.
When Israel pays its pet terrorists, to cut the throats of children, and films it for propaganda value, it enrages people.
Because most Jews defend the Israeli atrocities, all Jews are blamed.
That’s not fair, neither is murdering children, you play evil, you get treated evil.
Ummm, so either you’re Hindi (doubtful) because that’s pretty much what the muzzies did to millions of Hindus or you’re a pedophile worshipper, in which case, yeah, I’d be embarrassed too if they were my people so I’d taqiyya as much as possible.
So whilst you complain about racist comments made about Jews, making racist comments about Indians, Muslims is OK.
There are thousands of tribes on this planet, and many have been victimized, but only one tribe has been consistently vilified for thousands of years.
“any people who has been persecuted for two thousand years must be doing something wrong.”(Henry Kissinger)
Ah, you can dish it you just can’t take it. I guess you do t like playing in the gutter when the dirt is thrown back at you. And let’s be clear , Muslim Indians is a contradiction in terms. Real Indians who are Muslim were forcibly converted following the Islamic invasion so you do t count.
So only Jews can murder children?
“Advocating the genocide of a people is wrong, period.” – isn’t that what Israel is doing to the Palestinians ?
1. The Palestinian population is increasing year in year. The definition of genocide according to the UN is: “any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part ; imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; [and]
forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.” Israel has not engaged in any of these. (For a comparison, examine the actions of the Arabs in Hebron 1929, the speeches of Arab leaders immediately prior to the war of independence in 48, expressly acting with the desire to kill all Jews)
Look also at the rights of Muslims and Arabs in Israel. There are Muslim/Arabs in literally every aspect of Israeli society from the government, judiciary, military, civilian, etc. (compare that, for example to the apartheid laws against Palestinians in Lebanon where Palestinians can’t own land,
Are confined to “refugee camps”. Can not become citizens, can not hold certain jobs, such as doctors or lawyers).
So to answer your question, Israe is under no definition (other than one of someone who simply hates Jews and calls for the destruction of Israel (incidentally, the Palestinian refrain “from the river to the sea. Palestine will be free” is, in fact a euphemism for the genocide of all Jews in Israel) would consider what’s happening a genocide. I’d also like you to ask the Rwandans if this conflict resembles the Hutu/Tutsi genocide. Perhaps the Muslims in the balkans, where they were lined up, shot and buried in ditches like the Jews of the holocaust would see this as “genocide.” It’s really an insult to and minimization of those few times where true genocide has occurred to make this situation into that. But it does play well for the leftists and Jew haters.
Now that was an honest, insult -free and sincere answer. Something very few people will give here. Hopefully I get one back.
I hate to say it, but you are correct on the no / population growth – http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/palestine-population/
I have no problem with Jews, I despise the Israeli Zionist and their arbitrary killings.
You are still covering the fact of the new Israeli citizenship law.
But fair play to you, a reasonable comment for once – cheers.
No one hates Jews, we hate the genocide that Israel carries out, as we do regards the Saudis in The Yemen and even our own in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan ………. so please go away you little hooked nosed, dumb POS and get your sympathy elsewhere.
Good lad. Cheers. I was just about to fall for his bait and send my tirade off, you stopped it.
Well! they’ve always said it: israel is a democracy
‘a weak and war-shy prime minister’? i must have missed something.
The hypocrisy stinks yet they have no sense of smell. Hitler also liked to gain titles.
Your critique of Netanyahu’s temporarily acquiring the portfolios of education and defence after the recent resignations, are inaccurate and unjust. Comparing him and Israel to despotic, totalitarian regimes, where one person, family, or caste wield absolute power and exercise complete oversight is fiction. The facts themselves attest to a process of negotiation, compromise, and power sharing within a governing coalition. How can this give and take by elected representatives of so many parties be construed as totalitarian? Could it occur in the Gulf States, or in Turkey where a president wields absolute power over government and parliament, or even in America where the President has extraordinary executive powers and is also Commander-in Chief of the armed forces?
Well said. If there are issues with democratic principles, it is the tension between Zionist and democratic ideologies. The concept of a Jewish Nation State versus Equality and unalienable rights of all races and creeds
Messiah!!! Finally!
Well, this criminal guy just need to ride a donkey an enter into Jerusalem to be the Messia.
Again, only in Israel can I go go from minister of transportation to defense minister. It’s like any and all positions in their government, whether education minister or transportation officer, you have to be a blood thirsty, racist warmonger.
Savages
Just another zionist Dictator.
if the stress of all those responsibilities doesnt get to him, the assad curse will :)))
The Nutteryahoo has appointed himself as defence minister cos deep down inside he knows that when you want to eat kids without shame.. sometimes it’s better to do it yourself.
Oh no, Bilbo Netanyahu is going to lose his ring of power, quick more lubricant.
Didn’t read the article. First, that headline presents an opinion as fact on a “news” article. Second, you clearly don’t know very much about how the Israel government works.
Surely you understand the parliamentary model at work here, forming a government and keeping a majority to remain in power.
Nitenyahu faces incredible challenges in governing his stiff necked people. Israel faces incredible challenges in surviving.
The Mideast is roiling in chaos and instability beyond that which normally obtains in the area, known for volatility.
Enter Putin on his march toward the Nobel. He knows Israel can’t be faced with an existential question, because that way lies uncontrollable outcomes.
So let Bibi and Vlad work it out behind the scenes. Putin’s hand will restrain Syria from warring with Turkey; and he may succeed in proving to Lebanon and Syria that they don’t need Iran.
Peace and stability comes in brown paper wrappers sometimes.
Netanyahu needs only to ride a DONKEY and enter to Jerusalem to be declared the Mesiah of Israel !! that one talking by the Tanah, the one expected for any jew in the world. Maybe this would be too much for a single normal person.