In "Israeli nationalist, charm offensive", Politico writer Ben Smith discussed Yisrael Beitanu leader Avigdor Lieberman, whose electoral success in Israel alarms many. Smith wrote that supporters of Israel in the United States are embracing him to dilute the negative PR consequences of his role in Israeli politics. At the same time, Lieberman is distancing himself publicly from his rich record of anti-Palestinian positions.In the article, Smith quoted Ali Abunimah:
“Lieberman's politics are truly odious, racist and incompatible with any notion of democracy and equality in a modern state,” said Ali Abunimah, a fellow at the Palestine Center in Washington. He added that “much of the anti-Arab racism he expresses publicly is deeply embedded in Israel's society, economy, and political system and tacitly endorsed by all the other major Zionist parties.”
