Why Netanyahu's supporters remain loyal to him despite his failures - opinion

An opinion piece analyzes why Benjamin Netanyahu's supporters remain loyal despite what the author calls profound failures. The article argues Netanyahu offers psychological security through identity, certainty, and collective struggle, turning political disagreement into identity conflict. It cites several of Netanyahu's statements and concludes that cognitive dissonance may explain his resilience.

An opinion piece by Sara Dobner examines the psychological mechanisms behind Benjamin Netanyahu's enduring support among his followers, despite what the author describes as profound failures under his leadership. The article argues that Netanyahu offers more than policy: he provides psychological security through five key elements: security as an emotional promise, identity fusion with the nation, projection of certainty, turning criticism into conviction, and a sense of permanent external threat from Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. The author cites several of Netanyahu's statements, including a 2024 declaration that 'No one will stop us, not The Hague, not the axis of evil,' and a 2025 Knesset speech where he said 'We are Jews, we are Israelis, we are strong.' The piece concludes that cognitive dissonance may explain why some supporters cannot abandon Netanyahu without reconsidering their own identity. The writer is identified as an Israeli Canadian former economist and policy adviser active in Jewish community life.