Benjamin Netanyahu has overseen a genocide: In his telling, he’s a victim
This article critiques Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political strategy, arguing that he uses victimhood and deflection to maintain power despite security failures and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It highlights his use of populist rhetoric ahead of upcoming elections.
Why it matters
The analysis provides insight into the political survival tactics of a major world leader during a period of intense regional instability.
Ahead of Israel’s national elections, Netanyahu reaches for an old playbook: grievance, blame-shifting and victimhood.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu casts his ballot in the Likud party primary elections [Ohad Zwigenberg/Pool-AP] By Simon Speakman Cordall Published On 10 Sep 2026 10 Sep 2026 Benjamin Netanyahu is Israel’s most electorally successful — and longest-serving — prime minister. He has overseen Israel’s greatest internal security failure and a genocide in Gaza, yet clung on to power.
Now, as he heads to his 13th parliamentary election, Netanyahu is relying on an old strategy that he has deployed for years, critics say — responding to accusations that might normally end a political career with deflections, subterfuge and claims of victimhood.
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