A few weeks ago, journalist Amit Segal and Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amos Yadlin, head of the Institute for National Security Studies, met in one of the news studios. Yadlin explained to his interlocutor why the annexation move would be a serious historical mistake. For a few moments, the camera lens focused on a picture worth a thousand words: Yadlin addresses his colleague in intonation and body language as if he were an adult brother, a reprimanding provider, an educating provider; For a brief moment, the talented journalist seems to shrink and disappear. 

The tone and style of the privileged general - the son of Aharon Yadlin - the education minister on behalf of the Labor Party in the 1970s - betrays something profound that goes beyond a wish of expertise, age and status: a state of mind, and in fact a political culture of lordship. To the master consciousness of a landlord. We also received a vulgar expression of this lordly consciousness in the horror show of Ofer Shelach, who scolded and threatened a journalist who dared to ask an uncomfortable question. The Lord can threaten; The hired tenant can not threaten. The rent he pays is silence or consent. 

Political culture is an unwritten and unofficial set of rules that outlines the relations in society, and a central principle in it is that there is not necessarily a fit between the political situation (power structure) and the state of mind of the group. And indeed, interestingly, since the 1977 upheaval, a considerable proportion of the members of the veteran elite still speak and conduct themselves as the landlord, even though he does not hold the helm of power. This, of course, does not mean that the masters reduce themselves to youthful interests from social solidarity. Honestly: the veteran elite, the masters, who are now well-armed in various civilian systems, have always pretended to function as a beacon of values, to educate and enlighten everyone outside the circle of influence. To this end, they contributed their skills and connections. Social justice is a candle to their feet, in great justice. A serving elite. Good and beautiful. 

However, in order to properly stand on this pretense and its norths, one must also examine the practical conduct of the masters. Here are some signs and echoes, visible and hidden, typical of the culture of the masters in 21st century Israel. 

"The IDF is the people's army! We will be happy to see young people from all walks of life - Ethiopians, settlers and people from developing cities - ascending the ladder of ranks. Their control over various influence agencies will ensure that this does not happen. Academy: "Knowledge is power. We will do everything to teach you (however, you will obviously not teach us)". Particularly moving and touching is the position of the masters in the cultural industry: "We place strong scales for young people from all walks of life. We welcome everyone whose soul goes out to the theater stage." Among themselves, the masters know that the world of the young will not be expressed in the repertoire. "Is my lady interested in producing a play about the suffering of the residents of South Tel Aviv due to the presence of refugees and infiltrators? Not in our school." 

The consciousness of lordship is also expressed in protest demonstrations in front of the Prime Minister's House. "Fighting for democracy", "Saving the country", "Siege of Balfour". Against the background of the fact that only four months ago the public decided and paved Netanyahu's path to Balfour again, the patronizing-lordly position is once again established: our morality is placed high in relation to the morality of the people; That is why we, the landlords, hereby declare the Balfour tenant an intruder, and everyone knows what an intruder's law is. 

The pretension to serve the people is therefore subject to limited bail. Worse, the masters, who have always believed in the social engineering approach, operate the systems they control as if they were machines for conversion therapy. They boast the title of "servant elite" to cover a double-face game: we will help you on the condition that you will not be with them. This is the double cipher. Sir, ma'am, maybe a little modesty and more openness? 

Dr. Yitzhak Dahan is a lecturer and researcher in Israeli society and political culture