Netanyahu is a realist about Israel’s foes, not a fear-monger
Disappointed critics rationalize support for the prime minister by demonizing him and patronizing his voters. They’d do better to rethink their denial about the intentions of Islamists
Assessment
Critics who demonize Netanyahu and patronize his voters are sidestepping a harder question: whether his read on Islamist intentions is accurate. The argument here is that his stance reflects realism about hostile forces, not fear-mongering. The challenge is for critics to engage with the substance of his claims instead of dismissing his support base.