The war in Gaza, ongoing for nearly six months, is raising questions in Israel about the motivations behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire. Supporters argue that he is prioritizing national interests by weakening Hamas, while critics believe he is prolonging the conflict to maintain his fragile right-wing coalition. Netanyahu’s reputation for delaying decisions has come under renewed scrutiny due to the war’s devastating toll on both sides, with over 32,000 people killed and warnings of a looming famine.
The recent killing of seven aid workers in Gaza by an Israeli strike has intensified global outrage over Israel’s military tactics. President Biden’s response reflects growing concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, prompting threats to condition future support for Israel on addressing these issues. Within Israel, the debate over Netanyahu’s handling of the war is fueled by calls for a quick resolution to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the conflict began.
Netanyahu’s allies contend that his strategy is designed to strengthen Israel’s bargaining position and ultimately secure the safe return of the hostages. However, critics accuse him of prioritizing political considerations, as some right-wing factions in his coalition have threatened to force early elections if the war ends without the destruction of Hamas. Polling data suggests Netanyahu’s bloc might lose power in an election, despite broad support for continuing the war among Israelis. This political stalemate is further complicated by Hamas’s resolve to retain control of southern Gaza.
The prolonged conflict has exacerbated human suffering and raised doubts about the Israeli government’s ability to restore order in the territories it has captured. The international community, including the United States, has urged Netanyahu to transfer power in Gaza to the Palestinian Authority as a step towards a renewed push for a Palestinian state. However, resistance from far-right allies has hindered progress in this direction, perpetuating the chaos and uncertainty in Gaza.
The deadlock in Gaza has regional implications, stalling efforts to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia and sparking unrest in allied Arab states like Jordan. President Biden’s criticism of Israel’s actions has strained relations between the two allies, with Netanyahu pushing for more support to “finish the job” quickly. The ongoing conflict has also reignited tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where Hezbollah’s involvement in solidarity with Hamas threatens to escalate the situation.
As the conflict drags on, analysts warn of the potential for a broader regional conflict, particularly if Hezbollah and Iran retaliate against Israeli strikes targeting their leaders. The overlapping issues, from hostages held by Hamas to Hezbollah’s presence along the Lebanon border, present challenges to finding a comprehensive resolution. The role of President Biden in the conflict has drawn criticism from various quarters, with some faulting him for enabling Israel’s actions through arms supplies and others urging stronger condemnation to hold Israel accountable for its military tactics.
