Intelligence Squared The Age of the Strongman: Understanding Netanyahu, with Anshel Pfeffer (Part Two)
Sep 7, 2025
Anshel Pfeffer, a leading authority on Benjamin Netanyahu, dives deep into the prime minister's complex strategies following his return to power. He discusses Netanyahu's bold plans to reshape the Middle East and his controversial ties with far-right parties. The conversation reveals the turbulent political landscape in Israel, marked by Netanyahu's clashes with the judiciary and the implications of his leadership style. Pfeffer also examines recent shifts in Israeli politics and their historical contexts, focusing on the evolving dynamics of governance and conflict.
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Contemporary Strongmen Exploit Institutions
- Modern strongmen often exploit institutional weaknesses rather than fully destroying institutions.
- They claim democratic legitimacy while bending norms to stay in power.
A Prime Minister Held Hostage By His Coalition
- Netanyahu's coalition structure makes him dependent on small parties that wield outsized ministerial power.
- As a result, many ministers can set policy independently and limit his control.
Multi-Level Intelligence Failures
- October 7 revealed failures across intelligence layers: detection, analysis escalation, and political targeting decisions.
- Netanyahu had deprioritized Hamas intelligence in favor of other threats.
