Dissident Politics: Regarding the authoritarian mindset and tactics of Benjamin Netanyahu

Etiquette

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Friday, July 11, 2025

Regarding the authoritarian mindset and tactics of Benjamin Netanyahu

A NYT article (not paywalled), How Netanyahu Prolonged the War in Gaza to Stay in Power, discusses the steps that Netanyahu took to stay in power after the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack on Israel.

Netanyahu deliberately sabotaged ceasefire negotiations to extend the war, viewing it as essential for his political survival. In April 2024, he was reportedly prepared to accept a ceasefire deal but backed down when Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened to collapse the government. Corroboration: an academic study, Israeli expert analysis, Joe Biden comments

He maintained power by appeasing extremist coalition partners who demanded prolonged conflict. He formed Israel's most right-wing government in its history with convicted extremists. Corroboration: extremists Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich put in government, extremist threats to topple Netanyahu if there was a ceasefire

Netanyahu altered official records and manipulated documentation related to the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack. Corroboration: chief of staff questioned about forgery, Israeli military was ordered to stop documenting war cabinet meetings

He fired key officials who could threaten his position, particularly those involved in investigations into his alleged corruption. Corroboration: dismissal of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara (prosecutor overseeing his corruption trial), firing of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar for refusal to delay Netanyahu's corruption trial

He used the Hamas war as an excuse to delay his corruption trial proceedings. Corroboration: trial was postponed due to the war, he repeatedly requested trial delays that court rejected

If Netanyahu did that to stay in power and gets away with it, can anyone of the same mindset do the same or similar?

Q2: Is there evidence that Trump has engaged in the same or similar tactics to gain and stay in power?

A2: Trump has employed numerous strategies similar to Netanyahu's approach, with extensive documented evidence supporting these claims.

1. Prolonging Legal Conflicts for Political Survival
2. Undermining Legal and Security Institutions
3. Institutional Manipulation and Document Tampering
4. Targeting Political Opponents for Retribution
5. Consolidating Executive Power Through "Unitary Executive Theory"
6. Coalition Manipulation with Extremist Partners
7. Attempting to Overturn Election Results