Antisemitism isn't Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's enemy but his loyal ally, his secret weapon. Haaretz editor-in-chief Aluf Benn is right that "Authoritarian and messianic regimes are not frightened by external pressure – they thrive on it." But, contrary to what he wrote, the accelerated emigration of educated and liberal Israelis in recent years is not a "clear gain" for Netanyahu. That's because Israel is neither Iran nor Russia. A tiny country surrounded by enemies, it does not have the privilege of falling behind. It cannot afford to lose its educated and liberal residents. It must have technological superiority. And it must preserve its special status in the world in order to preserve and expand its alliances.

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