In short
State of the World Podcast - Episode Summary
Episode Title
What’s Next for Israel’s Prime Minister?
Date
November 18th
Overview In this episode of NPR's *State of the World*, host Greg Dixon explores the current political landscape surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the ceasefire in Gaza and his ongoing legal troubles. The episode provides insights into Netanyahu's challenges, the support he is receiving, and the implications for his future political career.
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Key Points and Discussions
Netanyahu's Political Inflection Point
- Ceasefire in Gaza: The ceasefire has resurfaced various political challenges for Netanyahu, including his corruption trial and tensions within his coalition.
- Support from President Trump: Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership during a speech to the Israeli parliament, indicating ongoing U.S. support which may bolster Netanyahu's position.
Domestic Challenges
- Military Service Protest: Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protested against legislation requiring military service, which is a crucial issue for Netanyahu's coalition.
- Implications: If these groups do not support Netanyahu, his coalition could be threatened.
- Public Anger Over Security Failures:
- The October 7th attack by Hamas has left many Israelis furious. Families of victims, such as Ruby Chen, are demanding accountability and are critical of Netanyahu's handling of the situation.
- Calls for a national commission of inquiry into security failures are opposed by Netanyahu, who argues it would be biased.
Legislative Developments
- Contentious Policies: Netanyahu's allies are pushing for divisive legislation, including:
- A bill for the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of attacks against Israelis.
- Increasing government control over media.
Political Future and Election Scenario
- Potential Coalition Collapse: Analysts suggest that Netanyahu's coalition may collapse under domestic pressures in the near future.
- Election Readiness: Former advisor Nadav Strauchler notes that Netanyahu is already campaigning, leveraging Trump's support to strengthen his position.
- Current Polling: Presently, polls indicate that neither Netanyahu nor the opposition would secure a majority in upcoming elections, leading to a potential stalemate.
Legal Troubles
- Corruption Trial: Netanyahu is on trial for corruption, which has extended into its sixth year. Trump has suggested a presidential pardon for Netanyahu, potentially indicating external interference in Israeli legal matters.
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Conclusion The episode highlights the precarious situation for Netanyahu as he navigates internal dissent, public outrage, and legal challenges while preparing for potential elections. His reliance on external support from figures like Trump and his coalition's stability will be crucial in determining his political future.
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Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Today on State of the World, what's next for Israel's Prime Minister?
0:09You're listening to State of the World from NPR. We bring you the day's most vital international stories, up close, where they're happening. It's Tuesday, November 18th. I'm Greg Dixon. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself at an inflection point. The war in Gaza had delayed a court case against him and challenges from his coalition. But now that a ceasefire has been declared in Gaza, these issues are resurfacing. Still, Netanyahu is getting support from President Trump and is planning to run for re-election. NPR's Daniel Estrin in Tel Aviv looks at the prime minister's political present and future.
0:48When Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire, President Trump addressed the Israeli parliament, heaping praise on, quote, a man of exceptional courage. You know who I'm talking about? There's only one. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Please stand up. Netanyahu overruled his far-right political partners and accepted Trump's ceasefire deal. I want to tell you, he's not the easiest guy to deal with, but that's what makes him great. That's what makes him great. It was Netanyahu's last day to shine in Parliament before the Daggers came out.
1:29Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men protested in the streets against a law that would require them to serve in the military. Their leaders are key to Netanyahu's ability to stay in power. But they won't support Netanyahu's coalition if their community is made to serve in uniform. The Gaza war changed everything. The military says it needs more soldiers. Don't forget that in the Israeli society, the army is something that is very important to us. Bini Ashkenazi is a political correspondent for the conservative Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. When we are speaking about the army, when we are speaking about the Ulshar Orthodox issue that they are not serving, most of the people are not accepting it.
2:13Another big challenge Netanyahu faces is Israelis' fury over Hamas' October 7th attack in 2023. We will all be able to help each other. Ruby Chen spoke at the funeral of his son. His body was held hostage in Gaza and recently returned. He said he would not stop pursuing the country's leaders over the October 7th security failure till they offer answers under oath in a national commission of inquiry. Netanyahu opposes such a committee investigating him. In parliament this week, he said it would be politically biased against him. A large part of the country won't trust the members of the committee, he said.
2:55Since the Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu's political allies have been advancing contentious legislation, like a bill instituting the death penalty for Palestinians convicted for attacks against Israelis, and more government control over media. Some Israeli analysts think all the domestic pressures Netanyahu faces could cause his coalition to collapse in a matter of weeks or months. Former Netanyahu political advisor Nadav Strauchler says the prime minister is already in election campaign mode. I think that Trump's words in the parliament, in the Knesset, was the starting of Netanyahu's campaign. And when you go to a campaign with Trump on your right side, it's a very sweet spot for Netanyahu to work from.
3:40If elections were held today, polls show Netanyahu would not win a majority for his camp. Neither would anyone else. The opposition is splintered. Elections could end in a stalemate. And the way Israel's system works, Netanyahu could still hang on, says Strauchler. A draw means a win for him. So he doesn't have to win. He just needs not to lose next election in order to stay in power. Trump is already intervening to try to save Netanyahu from his legal troubles. Netanyahu is on trial for alleged corruption. When Trump addressed the parliament last month, he turned to Israel's president. Hey, I have an idea.
4:18Mr. President, why don't you give him a pardon? On Wednesday, Israel's president received a letter from Trump asking him to do just that. Netanyahu's corruption trial drags on into its sixth year. All the while, he remains in office. Repeatedly, he's gotten the judges to delay his trial. The latest reason being that Trump's envoy was in town. Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.
4:49That's the State of the World from NPR. Thanks for listening.
From the publisher
Since the Gaza ceasefire began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has received blowback from members of his ruling coalition but also an in-person boost from President Trump. And even while he’s on trial for corruption, Netanyahu is gearing up to run for reelection. Our correspondent in Tel Aviv takes a look at Netanyahu’s political present and future.
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