Defense Minister's 'boom-boom-boom' video exposes Israeli politics' sorry state

Defense Minister Israel Katz's recent "boom, boom, boom" primaries video offers a stark, and some argue pitiable, glimpse into Israeli party politics. The video, intended to promote Katz as the first "real" right-wing defense minister, has drawn criticism for its tone and timing, especially given the current security challenges facing Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had requested a special exemption for Katz from the upcoming Likud primaries. The justification provided was that Katz is too occupied with national security matters to campaign. This proposal suggested that Katz would be guaranteed a spot on the Likud list without needing to compete against other party members.

However, this justification appears contradictory to Katz's recent activities. Despite the purported demands of his role overseeing the IDF amidst ongoing threats and manpower shortages, Katz has reportedly attended numerous social events. These include bar mitzvahs, weddings, and celebrations for political figures. A particularly striking instance involved Katz allegedly skipping a security cabinet meeting to attend an engagement party for the son of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, a figure with political connections who has a criminal record.

The situation raises uncomfortable questions about the state of Israeli politics. It suggests that career advancement may depend less on fulfilling official duties and more on cultivating relationships and attending the right social functions, even with individuals who have faced legal issues. This practice, described as needing to stay "on the political wheel," seems to be a prevalent strategy among senior Israeli politicians.