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On January 14, a Haaretz editorial headlined what's unimaginable in America. No US print or broadcast media would dare urge "Slash the defense budget."
Haaretz called Israel's budget deficit "the result of adventurous" wrongheaded policies.
"(E)xaggerated outlays" were approved. Defense spending bears most responsibility. It's been out-of-control for four years. It way exceeds legitimate needs. It bears no relationship to national security priorities.
Chances that any regional state or entity would attack Israel "are practically nonexistent." Facts on the ground are ignored. Defense interests are prioritized. Netanyahu supports what he should reject.
He hypes fear to enlist support. He "can't scare people about" potential dangers and "at the same time cut the defense budget."
Once electoral battles end, officials must "aim toward cutting" defense spending responsibly. The alternative is "a macroeconomic crisis that nobody wants."
Anything done will happen on the backs of ordinary Israelis. Polls show they favor defense and settlement construction cuts. Netanyahu prioritizes increasing them.
He dismisses public sentiment out of hand. He's favored to remain prime minister anyway. Israelis will have themselves to blame.
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