So many Israelis, regardless of religion, race or gender and irrespective of political allegiences, feel lost, confused and deserted. Like a flock without a shepherd.
They no longer believe in those elected to lead them and are suspicious of any decision taken by a government that has shown it can be swayed by political interests.
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Israelis protesting against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outside his official Jerusalem residence. The caption reads: Lockdown
(Photo: EPA)
They remember how politicians took selfish liberties when the rest of the country was on lockdown and separated from family and friends.
They observe a leader who is disconnected from the public, surrounded by family and cronies who tell him how great he is and how everyone else cannot not measure up to him – because that is what he wants to hear.
Benjamin Netanyahu has eliminated any hint of potential competition, but has also managed to remove anyone willing to warn him off his destructive deeds and their ramifications.
That is why he has been found time and again to be lying, failing and having to make excuses as he refuses to learn from past mistakes.
He has been deserted by the best people, including those he drove away himself - everyone from close aides to political allies.
Netanyahu is left with only yes-men. He believes they will protect him even after hundreds of thousands of Israelis have been left without jobs, income or prospects as the second lockdown in six months wreaks more havoc on an already struggling economy.
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Benajmin and Sara Netanyahu board an El Al flight to Washington on Sunday, after dropping plans for a private jet
(Photo: GPO)
The prime minister failed to see what all the fuss was about when he planned to fly himself and his family to Washington on an outrageously expensive private jet for the signing ceremony with the UAE.
And when the well-connected businessman and owner of the jet wished to back out of the transaction, fearing public rebuke, Netanyahu simply lied - claiming he himself had opted to fly with his entourage and the press corps on the airliner designated for the journey.
This lie was reminiscent of the one he made when he was caught hosting his son at the Seder table on the first night of Passover, while the rest of us were ordered to stay in place, when parents spent the holiday without their children and the elderly were left to their solitude.
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Avner Netanyahu attends the Seder meal with his parents, in violation of health regulations
(Photo: Screenshot)
But having been exposed, Netanyahu did not miss a beat as he made false claims in his unsuccessful attempt to redeem himself.
"My son lives in the same compound," he said.
Lies! No wonder his public has lost all faith in him.
Netanyahu is not alone though. Others in political positions have done the same and many continue to openly violate health regulations.
Even so, the prime minister has kept silent in the face of his cabinet's transgressions and his coalition partners' contempt for public health.
The prime minister would be wise to remember that he had brought down governments and fired ministers for far less offensive crimes than his own, as his former partners in past coalitions can attest.