Fact Check: "Netanyahu is one of Israel's greatest leaders, according to his supporters."
What We Know
The claim that "Netanyahu is one of Israel's greatest leaders, according to his supporters" is not supported by current public opinion. A significant portion of the Israeli population has expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. According to a recent article, while many Israelis support the military's actions in Gaza, they have lost confidence in Netanyahu's government and desire new political leadership (Perliger). Polls indicate that only 35% of Israelis believe Netanyahu is fit to be prime minister, and a majority blame him for the failures leading up to the October 7 attacks by Hamas (Perliger).
Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute found that 72.5% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should take responsibility for the October 7 attacks and resign (The Times of Israel). This sentiment reflects a growing distrust in Netanyahu's leadership rather than support for him as a great leader.
Analysis
The assertion that Netanyahu is considered one of Israel's greatest leaders is contradicted by evidence showing a decline in his popularity and support. While some opinion pieces laud his strategic leadership, these views are not representative of the broader public sentiment (The Jerusalem Post). The majority of Israelis appear to be critical of his governance, particularly in light of recent events.
The source from The Conversation highlights the complex dynamics of Israeli public opinion, noting that while there is support for military action, it does not equate to support for Netanyahu himself (Perliger). This indicates a distinction between approval of specific policies and overall approval of leadership.
Moreover, the credibility of the sources discussing Netanyahu's leadership varies. Articles from established news outlets like The New York Times and The Times of Israel provide a more balanced view of public opinion, while opinion pieces may reflect more polarized perspectives (The New York Times, The Times of Israel).
In summary, while there may be a faction of supporters who view Netanyahu favorably, the prevailing sentiment among the Israeli public suggests a significant lack of confidence in his leadership, particularly in the wake of recent crises.
Conclusion
The claim that "Netanyahu is one of Israel's greatest leaders, according to his supporters" is False. Current public opinion indicates that a majority of Israelis are dissatisfied with Netanyahu's leadership and hold him responsible for recent failures. This contradicts the notion that he is widely regarded as a great leader by his supporters.
Sources
- Opinion | Can Netanyahu Now Become a Statesman? - The New York Times
- Most Israelis dislike Netanyahu, but support the war in Gaza - an Israeli scholar explains what's driving public opinion
- A salute to Netanyahu's strategic leadership - opinion
- 72.5% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should take responsibility for Oct 7 and resign