Babel: Translating the Middle East Dahlia Scheindlin: Israel’s Political Turmoil
8 snips
Apr 3, 2025 Dahlia Scheindlin, a prominent Tel Aviv-based political analyst and Haaretz columnist, breaks down the complexities of Israel's political turmoil. She discusses Prime Minister Netanyahu's surprising resilience and his attempts to reshape state institutions amid widespread public discontent. The conversation also touches upon the shifting political dynamics following the October 7th attacks and the implications for U.S.-Israel relations. Scheindlin highlights the precarious state of democracy in Israel and the challenges posed by right-wing coalitions and potential electoral delays.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Deep Division in Israeli Society
- Israeli society is deeply divided with around 30% strongly supporting Netanyahu's government.
- The rest are skeptical, doubting his motives and decisions, viewing them as self-serving.
Netanyahu's Political Resilience
- Netanyahu retains power due to Israel's fragmented coalition system and voter distrust of alternatives.
- Right-wing voters persistently support him despite skepticism about his trustworthiness.
War Impact on Government Support
- October 7th attacks initially caused a crash in government and Netanyahu's support.
- Over months, government regained support by actions viewed as showing strength and regional power.