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The last 25 years of Israeli politics have been shaped by Benjamin Netanyahu, who has remained the central figure in the country’s political landscape. Behavioral analyses of Netanyahu emphasize his hesitation in decision-making, his tendency to avoid strategic risk, his sensitivity to the expectations of his political base, and his focus on maintaining power.
These assessments are crucial for understanding the psychological foundations of his long tenure.
However, an examination of Israeli media in recent years reveals that Sara Netanyahu exerts a significant influence on Benjamin—not only within the context of marriage, but also within political and institutional decision-making processes. This influence appears as a mechanism that shapes the leader’s behavior and directs crisis management and media strategies.
To understand Sara Netanyahu’s impact, it is necessary to rely not only on behavioral psychology but also on the theoretical framework presented in Jerrald Post and Kristen Moody’s article, “Selfobjects: The Special Role of Wives and the Inner Circle.” Post and Moody highlight the critical function of spouses and close circles in a leader’s psychological balance and decision-making processes, detailing how selfobjects operate around political leaders.
The selfobject approach, derived from Heinz Kohut’s theory of narcissism, argues that individuals require external objects to maintain the coherence of their sense of self. These objects provide not only psychological support but also shape internal decision-making mechanisms, crisis responses, and social interactions.
According to Post’s theoretical framework, spouses and close circles can serve as both psychological and strategic self-objects for leaders. This function is crucial for a leader’s self-perception, crisis decision-making, and ability to maintain authority in the social and political arena.
Events such as the Amona evacuation, reactions to United Nations resolutions against Israel, and the Gilad Shalit exchange demonstrate moments in which Benjamin Netanyahu exhibited hesitation and sought external reinforcement. In this context, Sara’s presence can be understood not merely as that of a spouse but as an external source supporting Netanyahu’s psychological balance and strategic decision-making processes.
As Post emphasizes, the selfobject function of spouses and close circles can shape a leader’s behavior both directly and indirectly. Sara Netanyahu acts not only as Benjamin’s wife, but also as his political and psychological Selfobject. Her influence on close aides, advisers, and former staff members allows her to intervene in crisis moments, shape media and image management, oversee personnel issues, and exert direct influence on matters of state.
Sara’s influence is closely connected to Netanyahu’s hesitation and delays in decision-making. For example, the slow response during the Amona evacuation—even after public statements were made—illustrates her capacity to intervene in the decision-making process. Her strategic moves in media and image management support Netanyahu’s ability to shape public perception. Behind-the-scenes campaigns and social media strategies not only send signals to political rivals but also reinforce Netanyahu’s sense of confidence and decisiveness. From the selfobject perspective, Sara emerges as an external element preserving the leader’s psychological coherence and guiding strategic decisions.
The alleged marriage agreement between Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly grants Sara direct influence over government affairs. Following the 1992 infidelity crisis, it is reported that the couple reached an agreement stipulating that Netanyahu could not travel abroad without his wife, and that she held veto power over who could board the prime minister’s plane. Her participation in confidential government meetings and her involvement in key political appointments are cited as concrete examples of her strategic influence.
Her impact on financial matters has also drawn attention. Allegations of misusing state funds, mistreating staff, and influencing the appointment of military leaders and even the head of Mossad point to her significant role in resource allocation and institutional structuring. The selfobject function thus appears not only as psychological support but also as an element influencing administrative and operational decision-making. It appears that an entire system has been established to conceal Sara’s outbursts and inappropriate behavior. There is ample evidence indicating that Netanyahu genuinely fears his wife. Her influence, particularly over state affairs and appointments, is widely acknowledged. As a close colleague put it: “Anyone Sara opposes loses their position.”
Netanyahu’s behavior during crises is crucial for understanding Sara’s selfobject function. In sudden and unexpected crises, Netanyahu has been observed struggling to maintain organizational control. In such moments, Sara steps in not merely as an adviser but as an actor directly shaping the leader’s decision-making. Her influence in crisis management is reinforced through media and public relations efforts; strategic behind-the-scenes moves serve to suppress opposition and strengthen the leader’s sense of security.
When the selfobject framework is considered alongside existing findings, it becomes clear that Sara's influence on Benjamin is not confined to their marital relationship. Instead, she plays a critical role in the central decision-making processes of Israeli politics. She functions as a guiding force in decision-making, a stabilizing figure in crises, and a strategic actor in media and public relations.
Sara’s influence on state affairs is notably strong. Netanyahu allows her to intervene in nearly every matter and has made her a central part of the decision-making process. Moreover, in matters such as gifts and a persistent sense of surveillance, the couple seems to reinforce each other’s irrational behaviors. Their relationship is extraordinary in every respect.
From the selfobject perspective, Sara Netanyahu functions as an external source sustaining the leader’s psychological integrity and balance. This role not only provides emotional support; it also shapes political decisions, directs crisis responses, and influences public perception of the leader.
Sara Netanyahu’s role in Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership represents a multilayered mechanism with psychological, strategic, and institutional dimensions. This relationship should not be viewed merely as a private balance of power but as a critical factor shaping decision-making processes and leader behavior within Israeli politics. Sara emerges as a selfobject who strengthens the leader’s survival strategies, guides crisis management, and influences key political decisions. Understanding Netanyahu’s actions—and anticipating his future political moves—requires paying close attention to Sara Netanyahu.
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