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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Will Netanyahu step down quietly like Hungary's Orbán? Hard to imagine

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán conceded defeat and stepped down after losing the election in April, a scenario contrasted with Israeli politics.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc currently trails opposition parties by approximately 20 seats in Israeli polls.
  • The article questions whether Netanyahu would accept defeat gracefully like Orbán, suggesting potential efforts to challenge election results or suppress Arab voter turnout.

Viktor Orbán, Hungary's former prime minister, exemplified a populist leader who often pitted 'the people' against 'elites' and 'the facts.' After nearly two decades in power, many Hungarians found it difficult to envision a post-Orbán era. However, a united opposition, galvanized by campaigner Péter Magyar, successfully channeled public exhaustion with corruption and poor governance, leading to Orbán's concession and departure after the April election.

Viktor Orbán was Hungary’s version of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – a leader who pitted “the people” against “the elites,” the experts, and when necessary, the facts.

— Dan PerryComparing the political styles of Viktor Orbán and Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc currently trails opposition parties by a similar margin of about 20 seats. Recent legislative actions have politically damaged Netanyahu, yet he appears unfazed. This raises questions about his political future: is he tired, unwell, or will he accept defeat?

Unlike the Hungarian scenario, few Israelis anticipate a gentlemanly exit for Netanyahu. The prevailing expectation is an intense campaign against a potential 'change government' that might rely on Arab parties. Historically, the Israeli Center-Left has rarely secured a majority without the passive support of Arab parties, a situation analogous to Likud winning without its usual religious party allies.

Can anyone realistically imagine such a scenario unfolding in Israel?

— Dan PerryQuestioning the likelihood of Netanyahu conceding defeat like Orbán.

Anticipate efforts to disqualify Arab parties based on their perceived lack of Zionism, a move likely to be overturned by the Supreme Court, as has happened in previous elections. This tactic could also serve to further incite criticism against the judiciary. Additionally, familiar tactics such as surveillance in Arab towns, voter intimidation, and suppression efforts may emerge. Netanyahu's greatest advantage would likely stem from a low turnout among Arab citizens.

Make no mistake: Netanyahu’s greatest advantage would come if Arab citizens simply stayed home altogether.

— Dan PerrySpeculating on a potential strategy for Netanyahu to win the election.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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