Israel’s ‘sharp power’ manipulation threatens its allies

Power tactic: Netanyahu had gone on American television to castigate Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer for trespassing on Israeli democracy. – Screenshot/Youtube

AS the rift between the Biden administration and the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deepens over the war in Gaza, tensions have also heightened over what each side perceives as interference in its domestic politics.

This came to a head last month when Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer expressed hope for early elections in Israel. In response, Netanyahu went on American television to castigate the Democratic senator from New York for trespassing on Israeli democracy.