#but in this particular! instance. we've got leverage and we need to let the far-right Israeli governmental ghouls--

[ravencromwell]

I feel like this Chris Hayes primer on one Itamar Ben-Gvir is a necessary coda to this article's larger point about just what sorts of vile fringe Netanyahu either agrees with, or is willing to climb in metaphorical bed with anyway.

“But this isn’t just about people’s views on Israel. It’s about their views of Biden. He risks being seen here as not his own man. An old Bill Clinton quote has been kicking around in the media in recent weeks: After his first meeting in 1996 with an arrogant Netanyahu, Clinton asked his aides, “Who’s the fucking superpower here?” Netanyahu has only grown more arrogant over the years, which is astonishing. Consider: He’s extremely unpopular in Israel. He’s running a hard-right government that was the target of massive demonstrations since the time it was formed. He’s holding onto his office—and thus prolonging the war—to stay out of jail. His government and military let October 7 unfold for hours with no response. Beyond that, he’s been fine with Hamas running Gaza and letting Qatar finance that for years. And on top of all that, between now and November, he’s going to be playing a game of chicken with Biden. Cut me off, he’ll taunt, and I’ll be more open about my presidential preference (which, obviously, is Donald Trump).”

— Is Biden Really Going to Let Netanyahu Lose Him the Election?