Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vigorously defended against what he called the “Deep State” in both Israel and the United States, asserting that it aims to undermine the will of the people in the wake of elections favoring right-wing governance. His remarks, made on March 19, 2025, highlighted what he perceives as a coordinated effort by the “leftist Deep State” to weaponize the judicial system against democratically elected leaders. “In America and in Israel, when a strong right-wing leader wins an election, the leftist Deep State weaponizes the justice system to thwart the people’s will,” Netanyahu stated emphatically. He further proclaimed, “They won’t win in either place! We stand strong together,” rallying his supporters amidst ongoing political unrest.
The Prime Minister's comments come during a period of heightened tension between his government and legal institutions in Israel, particularly concerning proposed judicial reforms and their implications for the balance of power. On the same day as his remarks, Israel’s cabinet made a controversial decision to reinstate Itamar Ben Gvir as National Security Minister, even amid strong legal objections from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. This reinstatement is significant as Ben Gvir had resigned from the coalition in January 2025 over differing views on a ceasefire with Hamas but has returned to a pivotal role just as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza.
These developments reflect the delicate balance and often contentious relationship between Netanyahu's hardline government and the judiciary, which Netanyahu and his supporters accuse of overstepping its bounds. “The cooperation between the Deep State and the media did not succeed in the U.S. and will not succeed here,” he added defiantly, citing the alleged favoritism shown to opposition narratives by the media.
Netanyahu's sentiments resonated through a social media post that was reportedly made from his official Prime Minister account, where he further drew parallels between the challenges faced in Israel to those confronting former President Donald Trump. “They won’t win in either place! We stand strong together,” Netanyahu reiterated in a twin post, which was later deleted and reposted on his personal account, signaling a personal stake in the narrative he was promoting.
His assertions arrived as thousands took to the streets in protest against his leadership, particularly following the announcement of his loss of confidence in Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service. This dismissal — tied to Bar's perceived failures and rising public scrutiny — has served as a flashpoint for opposition protests, which intensified on March 18, with accusations that Netanyahu sought to manipulate ongoing military conflicts for political benefit.
Critics of Netanyahu's approach have voiced concerns, labeling his attacks on the judiciary as dangerous and conspiratorial. For instance, the Yesh Atid party issued a statement, arguing that Netanyahu is “spreading dangerous conspiracies” that undermine Israel’s democratic principles and the rule of law. They warned that such rhetoric was indicative of a leader succumbing to panic amidst the ongoing investigations against his inner circle regarding financial allegations connected to the “Qatar-Gate” scandal.
This scandal has seen Israeli authorities arrest two key suspects amid increasing scrutiny over potential illicit financial ties between Qatar and Netanyahu's aides. Allegations have surfaced relating to payments made to individuals associated with Netanyahu’s operations, accusations which his office has vehemently denied as “baseless fake news.” Moreover, the investigation has sparked a wider debate about Qatar’s role in funding factions within the region, particularly given their established connections to Hamas.
Each of these dynamics plays into broader geopolitical themes as Netanyahu attempts to consolidate power amidst mounting domestic and international pressures. His administration's confrontations with the judiciary and the media reflect a cross-national struggle around the legitimacy of right-wing populist leaderships in both Israel and the U.S. Observers note that Netanyahu's comparisons to Trump highlight a shared strategy of employing populist rhetoric to discredit opposition, framing it within a narrative of victimization.
In an era where judicial independence is becoming increasingly contentious on a global scale, Netanyahu's government represents a case study in the complexities of governance where accusations of deep state conspiracies fuel political unrest. As protests grow, both in Israel and its relation to the U.S. Trump, the lines between political maneuvering and judicial accountability continue to blur.
As we approach a pivotal time in Israeli politics, with elections looming and potential changes in the cabinet, the impact of Netanyahu’s declarations, the ongoing Qatar scandal, and the response to popular dissent will weigh heavily on the future of his leadership. The political landscape remains volatile, fraught with the implications of judicial reforms, national security, and the public's trust in leadership.
