Netanyahu's final act: Biblical triumph or Shakespearean tragedy? - opinion

• Published date: 20 March 2024
• Author: ROMY LEIBLER/THE MEDIA LINE
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

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The stories of playwright William Shakespeare have achieved similar immortality. His famous works, epics such as Macbeth, King Lear, Hamlet, and The Merchant of Venice, are still being performed today and cover power, intrigue, tragedy, corruption, good and evil.

Israel's longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is now in the middle of his final act as he leads Israel in the battle against modern-day Hamans: Hamas, Hezbollah, and the ayatollahs.

One can imagine Netanyahu as the perfect complex character and central figure of a modern-day Shakespearean drama. He is brilliant, charismatic, and manipulative—the qualities required to survive Israeli politics. Not only must he confront Israel's external enemies but he also has no shortage of internal enemies. There are the anti-Netanyahu opposition parties, the media, the judiciary, and even Israel's allies, as seen by the recent statements emanating from US President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Netanyahu is a divisive character who has polarised Israeli society. He is both admired and reviled. Despite all the obstacles, it could be argued that he is the most outstanding prime minister in Israel's short history. He can take credit for Israel's emergence as a leading economic superpower and its improved standing on the world stage—that is, until the events of October 7 threatened to derail his legacy.

The Israeli prime minister's primary role is to defend the country against those who threaten its existence. Netanyahu has always portrayed himself as the guarantor of Israel's security. The majority of Israelis supported his management of the Palestinians and maintenance of the status quo.

Sadly, in a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions, he now must lead the country, which is at its most vulnerable since 1967, in confronting Hamas and Hezbollah and returning the hostages while simultaneously quieting the calls for his departure from both home and abroad.

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