You are afraid. And that's how Netanyahu wants you
An opinion column by Dr. Amir Bogen argues that the Likud campaign for the 2026 elections is based on frightening the Israeli public while exploiting the trauma of October 7. The author compares the propaganda mechanism to classic fascism and analyzes the contradiction between the image of a strong leader and the spread of existential fear.
An opinion column by Dr. Amir Bogen, ynet's culture correspondent in New York, analyzing Benjamin Netanyahu's propaganda strategy ahead of the 2026 elections. The author argues that the campaign is based on frightening the public while exploiting the collective trauma of October 7. Bogen compares the propaganda mechanism to classic fascism, referencing Nazi Germany and Putin's Russia, and analyzes the internal contradiction between the image of a strong and fearless leader and the systematic intimidation of citizens. The author notes that fear is a fundamental commodity in the campaign, and that Netanyahu and his advisors are working to create a dichotomy between fear without him and security with him, while avoiding drawing conclusions and providing practical solutions. Bogen calls for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry and the rehabilitation of the state based on reason, pragmatism, and composure.