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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Why Israel's right-wing voters feel the system is stacked against them – opinion

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • Many right-wing voters in Israel, particularly Likud supporters, feel the political system and state institutions are biased against them.
  • This perception of prejudice stems from historical grievances and recent incidents, including racist remarks made by a gynecologist targeting Likud voters.
  • The article argues that when voters feel targeted based on their identity, it fuels anger and a defensive, assertive stance.

A significant segment of Israel's right-wing electorate, especially supporters of the Likud party, harbors a deep-seated feeling that the system is rigged against them. This sentiment is fueled by a belief that their voices are not heard and that state institutions exhibit prejudice towards their political leanings and leaders.

With all due respect … I am not prepared to respect it.

— Yitzhak Ben-AharonThis quote from 1977 reflects an early instance of perceived disrespect towards the electorate's decision by a political figure.

This perception of being persecuted is not new. Since 1977, when a prominent figure dismissed the electorate's decision, Likud supporters, particularly those of Mizrahi (North African and Iraqi) background, have felt marginalized. They recall being categorized as the "second Israel" and perceive a persistent anti-Right bias, which has intensified with the rise of the "anyone-but-Bibi" movement.

baboons,” “chimpanzees,” “gorillas,” and “orangutans.

— Dr. Dubi LuxmanThese derogatory terms were used by Dr. Luxman in a social media post targeting Likud voters.

Recent events have exacerbated these feelings. A gynecologist, Dr. Dubi Luxman, published a widely condemned post on social media referring to Likud voters with derogatory terms and associating them with negative ethnic and intellectual stereotypes. Although Assuta, the health network where he works, suspended him, Luxman remained unrepentant, blaming "value-driven" institutions for succumbing to "marketplace culture."

predominantly Mizrahi – with a Moroccan majority – market stall owners, violent, dim-witted, and consumed by rage and feelings of inferiority.

— Dr. Dubi LuxmanThis quote details the racist stereotypes Dr. Luxman attributed to Likud voters in his social media post.

Another incident involved veteran television personality Dan Shilon, who compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Such instances, where public figures express disdain or make inflammatory comparisons, reinforce the belief among right-wing voters that they are not only judged for their opinions but also for their ethnic, religious, or cultural identity. This perceived pigeonholing intensifies anger and fosters a defensive, assertive posture within this segment of the electorate.

giving up my skills is rather foolish.

— Dr. Dubi LuxmanThis statement by Dr. Luxman indicates his lack of remorse and his view on the consequences of his suspension.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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