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The Politics of Hatred
By Shlomo Maital
Consider the ‘new populist politics’ now prevalent in Israel, the US, and other countries.
It is the politics of V. Not “V” for values and vision. V for vengeance, vindictiveness, vitriol, violence. It is the politics of hatred. Hate those who do not agree with you. And…worse, yet, act on that hatred.
This week, Jews everywhere are reading a key chapter in the book of Deuteronomy. And it counsels hatred (?). Remember “Amalek” (an enemy leader who attacked the Israelites from behind, on their way to the Holy Land), we are told.
UK Chief Rabbi, explains: The intent is the opposite. Remember, in order NOT to let hatred dominate your thinking and your emotions. Battle your enemies. Defeat them. And – do not hate them. This is stated clearly in this chapter of the Bible: do not hate the Edomites, do not hate the Egyptians, even though Egypt enslaved you and Edom fought you.
Some 20 years ago, Israel extracted settlers from Gaza. Members of the current Israeli government have vowed vengeance – and two decades later, seek to destroy the democratic system that led to the withdrawal from Gaza. It is driven by deep burning hatred.
The Hamas leader, imprisoned for two decades in Israel, attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and killed many women and children and elderly, often brutally. The result led to a huge disaster for the people of Gaza – death and destruction. The UN Secretary General Gutierres asks Israel, ‘what did you expect?’, referring to the Hamas attack. We ask him, and supporters of Hamas – what did YOU expect? Give them expensive presents?
Now, it is time for efforts at conciliation. Not hatred. Athletes know that competing on the basis of burning hatred addles the brain and prevents it from properly strategizing and winning. Rattle you opponent, get them ‘emotional’ – and you are on your way to winning.
Same for nations. Nations with leaders who leverage hate will ruin their followers and their nations. It is happening before our eyes.
Alas.
How Israel Lost America
By Shlomo Maital
OK, I admit it – I’m a numbers guy. Like, an economist who says the obvious in words and numbers that are incomprehensible.
So, how about this. A February Gallup Poll shows that only 46% of Americans sympathize more with Israel than Palestinians. Among independents: 42%. Among Democrats: 21 per cent! And this, after Hamas (who are also Palestinians) murder, rape and burn Israeli civilians, including babies.
A decade ago, 62% of Americans sympathized more with Israel than with the Palestinians.
Ouch. Israel lost America.
Correction: Prime Minister Netanyahu did.
Why?
More numbers. Netanyahu has been Prime Minister of Israel from March 31, 2009 to now, March 8, 2025 (the date I am writing this) — that is 5,821 days — except for a short period, June 31 2021 – Dec. 29 2022, 564 days, less than two years, when “Yamina’ (Naftali Bennett) and “Yesh Atid” (Yair Lapid) formed the government.
Since March 31, 2009, Netanya has been in power for 90% of the time. He has 90% of the blame for the disasters that befell Israel in that time – including the dramatic loss of support among Americans. During that time, Hamas built its military forces and the network of tunnels. On Netanyahu’s watch.
OK, Trump likes Israel. For now.
To rehash an old Nixon saw: Would you buy a used car from Trump? Or a new car? Greenland? Canada? Panama?
After the Yom Kippur War in October 1973, Prime Minister Golda Meir accepted responsibility and resigned in six months. The Agranat State Judicial Investigatory Committee was formed and made sweeping recommendations.
Netanyahu doggedly blocks forming such a committee, knowing it will find him deeply complicit in the October 7 disaster. He has acted in a manner that has alienated many Democratic voters — and when President Biden supported Bibi, he lost many of his Democratic voters. Perhaps enough to lose the 2024 election.
Netanyahu got Israel Trump — and maybe, got America Trump. But he lost Israel, Americans. And much of the world.
For people who love freedom, democracy, justice, honesty, truth and humanity – a really really bad deal.
TIMnovate 