The most popular figure in Israel’s 2019 election cycle is not even running. In fact, he has been dead for 27 years, and for significant periods in his life, he was ostracized politically and considered a radical provocateur. In this election season, the mythological head of the Likud, former Prime Minister Menachem Begin, has become a model of leadership, morality and values. His popularity crosses party lines, with both left and right seeking to appropriate his memory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rivals are even using Begin against him.
One cannot escape Begin these days. Social media is awash in his photos, quotes and clips of his speeches as if he were a leading candidate in the April 9 elections. Millions of Israelis never knew him; they were born or immigrated to Israel after his death. Some were unaware of his existence until now and are being exposed to him for the first time.
