Netanyahu's Cousin Drops Likud Over 'National Rift' and Oct. 7 Failures

Long-time Likud member and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cousin, Nathan Netanyahu, announced he will no longer vote for the governing party. The Bar-Ilan University professor published the decision in a letter on X on Tuesday evening, citing a deep national rift and a departure from the party's original values. He stated he is terminating his membership immediately and will only consider renewing it if a leadership untainted by these issues is elected.

Nathan accused the government of four specific sins in the moral-public sphere. These include the judicial reform, which he described as a coup d'etat, the October 7 attack, the failure to support citizens, and the refusal to bear responsibility. He argued these actions have corrupted the governing culture and made the government unworthy of public trust.

Regarding the judicial reform, Nathan recalled an April 2023 speech where he warned of dangers to judicial independence. He noted that the reform sought to concentrate power and empty control mechanisms, leading to a state of dictatorial characteristics. He pointed out that the process shattered national cohesion and that senior security officials warned of the resulting security dangers.

The October 7 massacre serves as the central failure in his argument. Nathan noted that the attack occurred during the current government's four-year term. He claimed the prime minister's strategy of containing Hamas through funds from Qatar and economic concessions was shattered on that day. Approximately 1,200 civilians and security forces were killed, and 251 people were kidnapped. He described the event as the worst disaster since Israel's founding.

Nathan criticized the government for violating the covenant with its citizens, specifically in education, health, and transportation. He highlighted the Haredi draft exemption as a key issue, noting that reservists have left their families and livelihoods while the government allocates large sums to appease ultra-Orthodox parties for coalition survival. He argued this approach tramples on the principle of equality of burden.

He also addressed the refusal to establish a national commission of inquiry into October 7. Despite widespread public support, no commission has been created more than three years after the massacre. Nathan argued that government responsibility requires accountability to the public, regardless of criminal guilt. He concluded by referencing the prophet Amos, stating he would not choose the government for three crimes and for four.

His letter marks a notable shift in public opinion within the Netanyahu circle. By citing specific policy failures and personal anecdotes, including his mother Supreme Court Justice Shoshana Netanyahu's influence on his values, he provides a detailed critique of the current administration's direction.