(1.10.2017) Netanyahu’s remark is evidence of the spirit of populism wafting through the Prime Minister’s Office. Not only was the comment substantively ridiculous – Israel can only dream of being like the strong economies of Germany, Norway or Switzerland – but it also insults Israel’s closest friends for no reason. But what are international relations compared to the petty political desire of government ministers, first and foremost the prime minister, to appoint their associates as senior officials in government ministries?