Netanyahu's 'Loss of Control' Over Settlers: A 40-Year Playbook?
When outlets feign surprise that settlers operate with impunity, it's worth recalling the historical record. As far back as 2002, Ariel Sharon's government, like Netanyahu's today, was 'grappling' with alleged 'rogue' settlers, even as state funds and military protection flowed freely. The 'loss of control' narrative allows the Israeli government to deflect accountability, portraying itself as a
victim of its own Frankenstein monster, rather than its creator. This isn't an accidental 'loss of control'; it’s a policy. With government ministers like Bezalel Smotrich openly advocating for settlements and Interior Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir handing out weapons to West Bank residents, the idea of the state being 'powerless' is theater. It's a calculated ambiguity that lets the government appear
concerned while infrastructure for annexation gets built on Palestinian land. How many times must this familiar dance be performed before the international community stops taking notes and starts taking action?