Stephen Lendman

Israel's Fascist Government: Part II

On January 22, Israelis voted. Results hardened fascist rule. Dominant right-wing parties control 102 of 120 Knesset seats.

Israelis have themselves to blame. They elected their most extremist government in history. Belligerence, state-sponsored terrorism, militarized occupation, racist persecution, settlement expansions, and neoliberal harshness reflect official policy. No party won a majority. Weeks of negotiations followed. Expect coalition partners to be announced shortly.

Netanyahu remains Prime Minister. He'll serve as Foreign Minister. He'll do so pending the outcome of Avigdor Lieberman's trial. He's charged with fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu's a world class thug. He spurns rule of law principles. He abhors democratic values. He prioritizes stealing all valued Palestinian land. He deplores peace. He calls pursuing it a waste of time. He presides over 22 ministers. Eight deputy ones join them. They represent Israel's smallest government in decades.

Coalition partners include Netanyahu's Likud/Yisrael Beteinu, Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid, and Naftali Bennett's Habayit Yayehudi. Tzipi Livni's Hatnuah had token participation. Together they won 67 of 120 Knesset seats. They reflect hardline extremism. They're ideologically over the top. They represent what demands condemnation.

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John Pilger

What is modern propaganda? For many, it is the lies of a totalitarian state. In the 1970s, I met Leni Riefenstahl and asked her about her epic films that glorified the Nazis. Using revolutionary camera and lighting techniques, she produced a documentary form that mesmerized Germans; her 'Triumph of the Will' cast Hitler's spell.

She told me that the "messages" of her films were dependent not on "orders from above," but on the "submissive void" of the German public. Did that include the liberal, educated bourgeoisie? "Everyone," she said.

Today, we prefer to believe that there is no submissive void. "Choice" is ubiquitous. Phones are "platforms" that launch every half-thought. There is Google from outer space if you need it. Caressed like rosary beads, the precious devices are borne heads-down, relentlessly monitored and prioritised. Their dominant theme is the self. Me. My needs. Riefenstahl's submissive void is today's digital slavery.

Edward Said described this wired state in 'Culture and Imperialism' as taking imperialism where navies could never reach. It is the ultimate means of social control because it is voluntary, addictive and shrouded in illusions of personal freedom.

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