Netanyahu’s Political Survival Strategy https://g.co/gemini/share/e46998534b49 Netanyahu: A Political Survivor’s Saga of ‘Bibi Against the World’ Jerusalem – For decades, Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu has not just occupied the center of Israeli politics, but has often positioned himself as its defiant vanguard against a world he portrays as frequently hostile to the Jewish state. His long and tumultuous career, marked by both soaring triumphs and profound crises, has solidified his image among supporters as a heroic protector of Israel’s interests, while critics decry him as a divisive and cynical operator who thrives on conflict.1 This “Bibi against the world” narrative, a cornerstone of his po

Netanyahu’s Political Survival Strategy  g.co/gemini/share/e46998534b…
Netanyahu: A Political Survivor’s Saga of ‘Bibi Against the World’

Jerusalem – For decades, Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu has not just occupied the center of Israeli politics, but has often positioned himself as its defiant vanguard against a world he portrays as frequently hostile to the Jewish state. His long and tumultuous career, marked by both soaring triumphs and profound crises, has solidified his image among supporters as a heroic protector of Israel’s interests, while critics decry him as a divisive and cynical operator who thrives on conflict.1 This “Bibi against the world” narrative, a cornerstone of his political persona, has proven to be a remarkably effective tool for his political survival.

Netanyahu’s political longevity is undeniable. He is Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, having held the office for a cumulative total of over 16 years.2 His career has been a masterclass in political maneuvering, coalition-building, and, crucially, in harnessing a sense of national siege to his political advantage.

This narrative often casts Netanyahu as the lone statesman willing to make the tough, unpopular decisions necessary to safeguard Israel’s security in a hostile region. A key example is his vociferous and sustained opposition to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.3 While major world powers, including the United States under President Barack Obama, championed the agreement as a landmark diplomatic achievement, Netanyahu relentlessly campaigned against it, famously addressing a joint session of the U.S.4 Congress in a direct challenge to the American administration. To his supporters, this was a courageous act of a leader prioritizing his nation’s existential security above all else. To his detractors, it was a reckless and partisan move that alienated a key ally.

Similarly, on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Netanyahu has consistently projected an image of a steadfast leader unbowed by international pressure to make concessions he deems dangerous. His governments have overseen the significant expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a policy widely condemned by the international community as a violation of international law and an obstacle to a two-state solution.5 Despite resolutions from the United Nations and criticism from even close allies, Netanyahu has framed this policy as a non-negotiable right of the Jewish people to build in their historic homeland, reinforcing the “us against the world” mentality.

Domestically, this approach has often translated into a political strategy of rallying his base against perceived internal and external enemies. He has frequently lashed out at the media, the judiciary, and left-wing political opponents, portraying them as part of an elite establishment that is out of touch with the will of the people and too willing to capitulate to international dictates.6 This has been particularly evident during his ongoing corruption trial, which he has characterized as a politically motivated “witch hunt” orchestrated by his adversaries to oust him from power.7

Even in the face of significant challenges that would have ended the careers of many politicians – including multiple rounds of inconclusive elections, the formation of a short-lived “change” government that ousted him from power in 2021, and the devastating intelligence and security failures that led to the October 7th attacks – Netanyahu has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to endure.8 His return to the premiership in late 2022, at the helm of one of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history, was a testament to his political resilience.9

The recent war in Gaza has further amplified the “Bibi against the world” narrative. As international condemnation of Israel’s military campaign has mounted, with accusations of disproportionate force and a humanitarian catastrophe, Netanyahu has remained defiant, insisting that Israel is acting in self-defense against a genocidal enemy and that the world is applying a double standard.10 This stance has resonated with a significant portion of the Israeli public who feel the world does not understand the threats they face.

However, this strategy of political survival is not without its costs. Critics argue that Netanyahu’s constant portrayal of Israel as a victimized and isolated nation has deepened internal divisions, eroded democratic norms, and strained crucial relationships with international partners. They contend that his focus on short-term political gains has often come at the expense of long-term strategic thinking and a genuine pursuit of peace.

In the end, the narrative of “Bibi the Hero against the world” is a complex and deeply polarizing one. For his ardent supporters, he is the indispensable leader, a modern-day Churchillian figure standing firm against the forces of darkness.11 For his opponents, he is a master of political manipulation who has expertly exploited fear and division to maintain his grip on power.12 What is beyond dispute is that this carefully crafted persona has been central to the enduring and consequential political career of Benjamin Netanyahu.
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Bibi the Hero against the world: master of the political survival – GS

— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Sep 24, 2025