Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, faces mounting accusations that his government's relentless military campaign in Gaza is less about national security and more about political survival. Critics suggest the war serves as a distraction from Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trials and dwindling domestic support.
A War of Survival—For Netanyahu?
With his coalition fracturing and public trust eroding, Netanyahu appears to be gambling on a prolonged conflict to delay elections and judicial reckoning. The human cost, however, is staggering: Palestinian civilian casualties continue to rise, and Israel's international standing deteriorates.
Domestic Unrest and Legal Woes
Before the October 7 Hamas attacks, Netanyahu's government was embroiled in controversy over its judicial overhaul plan, which sparked mass protests. Now, with his approval ratings in freefall, the war provides a temporary shield from accountability.
Key concerns:
- Netanyahu’s reliance on far-right coalition partners who oppose any ceasefire
- The lack of a clear post-war strategy for Gaza
- Growing international condemnation, including from traditional allies
The Regional Fallout
The conflict risks destabilizing the broader Middle East, with Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups escalating attacks. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s refusal to engage in meaningful diplomacy leaves Israel increasingly isolated.
As the war drags on, one question looms: Is Netanyahu sacrificing Israel’s future for his own political survival?
