Be it Resolved, Bibi is the best Prime Minister for an Israel at war

Aug 19, 2024

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving Prime Minister, shares insights during one of the nation’s most challenging crises. He argues that his leadership is crucial for Israel's security amidst ongoing wars and threats. The discussion features contrasting opinions from Ruthie Blum, a former adviser in Netanyahu's office, and Avraham Burg, a former Knesset speaker. They debate his coalition's impact on national security, shifting American attitudes towards Israel, and the implications of Netanyahu's decisions on both domestic and international fronts.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

Leadership Debate in Israel's Crisis

03:41 • 26min

Shifting Support for Israel in American Politics

29:42 • 9min

Debating Netanyahu's Coalition and Its Impact on National Security

38:47 • 5min

Leadership Failures and Regional Dynamics

43:49 • 13min

Closing Reflections on Leadership in Crisis

56:59 • 3min

Israel is facing an existential crisis on all fronts. A devastating war in Gaza. Nonstop rocket attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Drone attacks from the Houthis in Yemen. And the very real possibility of a full scale war with Iran that could break out at any moment. And yet, the man who has led Israel through one of its most tumultuous periods in its 76 year existence, Benjamin Netanyahu, maintains that he alone is the person who can keep the country safe. Bibi’s supporters argue that Israel’s longest serving Prime Minister is the best leader for Israel at this moment. His political and wartime experience coupled with a diplomatic savviness gives him the tools necessary to navigate both the physical wars on Israel’s borders and the increasingly tense relationship with allies and adversaries abroad. To his detractors, Bibi’s failure in leadership created the conditions for the Hamas attack, and in his desperation to stay in office he has pandered to the extremists in his coalition, harming world opinion and undermining Israel’s security and its relationship with its most important ally, the United States. For the sake of Israel’s survival, safety, and security, they argue, Bibi must go.

Arguing in favour of the resolution is Ruthie Blum. Ruthie is a columnist at Jewish News Syndicate and most recently she served as an adviser in the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

Arguing against the resolution is Avraham Burg. Avraham has served in a variety of high profile public positions in Israel, including as member of the Labor Party, Speaker of the Knesset, and Chairman of the Jewish Agency.

The host of this Munk Debates podcast episode is Ricki Gurwitz.

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Senior Producer: Ricki Gurwitz

Editor: Kieran Lynch