The deep divides between different communities in Israel

 

The deep divides between different communities in Israel — secular and religious, left- and right-wing, and various ethnic groups — create a highly complex political landscape, and Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi) is both a product of and contributor to this polarization. Here’s a breakdown of why Netanyahu is such a divisive figure across these groups:

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1. Secular vs. Religious Communities

Netanyahu has built strong alliances with ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) and religious Zionist parties to maintain political power. These groups often push for:

• Expanded religious authority over public life (e.g., marriage, Sabbath laws)

• Exemptions from military service for Haredi men

• Increased funding for religious schools (yeshivas)

Secular Israelis often see these policies as undermining Israel’s democratic and modern identity. Netanyahu's willingness to give in to religious parties' demands, in exchange for political support, fuels this divide.

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2. Left vs. Right-Wing Politics

Netanyahu is the leader of the right-wing Likud party, and has increasingly aligned with even more extreme right-wing factions. His policies and rhetoric often emphasize:

• A hardline stance on Palestinian issues

• Expansion of West Bank settlements

• Nationalist, security-first ideologies

Left-wing Israelis criticize him for:

• Undermining peace efforts

• Using fear and division to stay in power

• Eroding democratic institutions and judicial independence (especially with the 2023 judicial overhaul crisis)

Netanyahu is often accused of stoking ideological tensions for political gain, especially during election cycles.

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3. Ethnic Tensions

Israel is home to a diverse population:

• Ashkenazi Jews (European origin)

• Mizrahi Jews (Middle Eastern origin)

• Arab citizens of Israel

• Ethiopian Jews

• Russian-speaking immigrants

Netanyahu’s critics say he often plays on ethnic fears and grievances. For example:

• He’s been accused of marginalizing Arab citizens and making inflammatory statements about them, especially during elections.

• Some Mizrahi and working-class communities support him, believing the left-wing elite ignored them for decades, and he speaks to their sense of identity and resentment.

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4. Corruption Allegations

He’s been under indictment for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust — which adds fuel to the fire. To his opponents, it shows moral decay. To his supporters, it’s proof that the “elite” system is trying to take down a populist leader.

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5. Populism and Media Strategy

Netanyahu uses populist tactics:

• Framing himself as a protector of Israel against internal enemies (left-wingers, elites, media)

• Promoting a “strongman” image

• Using social media and right-wing media outlets to bypass traditional journalism

This often deepens existing social and political rifts.

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TL;DR:

Netanyahu is a master politician who thrives in a deeply divided society — and sometimes even deepens those divisions to stay in power. His alliances with religious parties, right-wing policies, controversial rhetoric, and corruption trials make him a lightning rod for both passionate support and intense opposition.