NARRATIVE COMPLEMENTARITY IN SELECTED SPEECHES OF PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU

Abstract

This study examines the rhetorical strategies employed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his speeches delivered in (2009, 2012, 2015, 2018), focusing on the concept of narrative complementarity. The analysis reveals how Netanyahu consistently balanced themes of innovation, existential threat, and moral appeal to enhance rhetorical effectiveness. By juxtaposing Israel’s achievements in science, technology, and resilience with warnings about Iran’s aggression, his discourse fused optimism with urgency, creating a layered narrative that appealed to both emotional and rational dimensions of persuasion. This rhetorical pattern reinforced Israel’s national identity while simultaneously positioning its concerns within a universal moral framework. The findings contribute to narrative linguistics by demonstrating that narratives of progress and threat are not contradictory but mutually reinforcing, functioning as a persuasive device in political communication. Netanyahu’s speeches exemplify how leaders can transform national concerns into global appeals through narrative complementarity, thereby constructing legitimacy and mobilising support in international forums. Recommendations for further research include comparative studies of other leaders’ UN speeches, such as Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin, or Mahmoud Abbas, to explore cultural and geopolitical variations in narrative strategies. Interdisciplinary approaches integrating linguistics, political science, and communication studies could further enrich the theoretical framework. Ultimately, this study highlights the enduring power of narrative in diplomacy, where storytelling—anchored in history, identity, and imagery—can redefine perceptions, mobilise alliances, and influence the trajectory of global affairs.