Netanyahu’s Dangerous Game

When Fascists and strongmen rise in a country or society, a critical step on the path there is the need for an internal enemy. This enemy is then blamed for a litany of social ills and the strongman’s power is consolidated in a fierce crackdown. The strongman will then “stand up” to that enemy, who is portrayed as the aggressor. While more infamous examples from history come to mind, this is still a widely used tactic. The Philippine’s Duterte has done this with drug users in the Philippines. China’s Xingping has done so with China’s Muslim population. What we’re seeing in Israel right now is another example.