The pager, the speech and the reality: Israel's true test in the world | Oren Leshem

Oren Leshem argues that Netanyahu's UN speech, whose central gimmick was the display of a pager, is an annual show that provides momentary pride but leaves frustration and strategic isolation. The article criticizes the focus on rhetoric and charisma at the expense of building genuine trust and substantive leadership that would enlist international partners against shared threats.

Oren Leshem argues that Netanyahu's speech at the UN General Assembly, whose central gimmick was the display of a pager, is an annual show that provides momentary pride but leaves frustration and strategic isolation. The article criticizes the focus on rhetoric and charisma at the expense of building genuine trust and substantive leadership. Leshem notes that the Israeli drive to be right at any cost and to win the rhetorical argument generates anger and affront in the face of protests abroad, and leads to a retreat behind a wall of "the whole world is against us." He claims the UN is a theater of hypocrisy, but behind the scenes, leaders understand the value of Israeli technology, economy, and intelligence. Leshem points to the cold and quiet strategy of Saudi Arabia, based on interests and coalitions, as an alternative model. The article calls for authentic and substantive leadership, even if less charismatic, to replace the need for righteousness with a long-term strategic plan to restore Israel's international standing.