By Rabbi Dow Marmur
JERUSALEM — In our cyber age we cannot be surprised when we hear that foreigners are interfering in election campaigns; we’re still waiting to learn about Putin’s role in the US presidential elections. Therefore, on the face of it, there’s no reason to doubt the charge that Iran hacked the phone of Benny Gantz, the principal challenger of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
But when Netanyahu uses the news to suggest that Israel wouldn’t be safe under Gantz – a former chief of staff with two other chiefs of staff as numbers 3 and 4 on his list! – one wonders whether the prime minister invented the story or, even worse, arranged for the hacking.
It’s, however, more evident that Iran interferes overtly in the elections in Israel. The terrorist who killed an Israeli soldier, wounding another and also killed a father of 12 a few days ago may have been in the service of Iran, as many terrorists are. His action is likely to influence the election in Netanyahu’s favor, as every manifestation of Palestinian terror tends to strengthen the right-wing. There’re several parties competing in the forthcoming elections that are to the right of Netanyahu; their leaders are already grooming themselves for key ministerial positions.
A much more formidable force interfering in Israel’s election comes from ostensible allies, e.g. the visit this week by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Jonathan S. Tobin, the editor of the right-wing JNS News Syndicate, reminded his readers this week that “Israelis view Pompeo’s visit as the latest instance of America trying to intervene in their elections.” His presence in Israel is, according to Tobin, “is seen as a not-so-subtle hint to the voters of the Trump administration’s firm embrace of embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”
To make sure that all voters in Israel get it, Netanyahu will be flying to the United States next week ostensibly to address AIPAC, the powerful pro-Israel lobby, but, more important, to see President Trump and hear him tell Israelis that the re-election of Netanyahu is essential for the security of the Jewish state, indeed the whole world, and that he’s the reason for American uncritical support.
To cite Tobin again: “The close relationship that Netanyahu has forged with Trump makes the majority of American Jews cringe. But it’s one of the prime minister’s chief assets.”
For good measure, the new president of Brazil will be coming to Israel a week before the elections to remind us again that our prime minister is an important player on the international arena. The visitor isn’t likely to announce that his country will move its embassy to Jerusalem, but he may very well throw a bone or two for us to chew on – and for the propagandists to make much of.
Yes, Prime Minister Netanyahu is pulling out all stops to win for the fourth consecutive time and fifth time overall not only for political but also for personal reasons. If he remains prime minister he’s not likely to be indicted on the many criminal charges against him, and definitely not convicted, as long as he’s in office. What happens afterwards may be reflected in the following story.
The late Yitschak Rabin is said to have been fond of the tale about the Jew to be executed by the squire asking for a year’s respite during which time he’d teach the squire’s horse to talk. The request was granted. When the Jew’s wife challenged him, he replied that in the course of the year the horse may die, the squire may die or “I myself.” Perhaps Mr. Netanyahu has the same view of his future. Rabbi Marmur is spiritual leader emeritus of Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, Canada.
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Now a resident of Israel, he may be contacted via dow.marmur@sdjewishworld.com