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OPINION MARCH 15, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

After the Smoke Clears:

Netanyahu’s Political Tightrope

in the Wake of Israel–Hamas War

NANDINI KHANDELWAL

rime Minister Benjamin Ne-
tanyahu’s assertive nature of
Ppolitics in the global arena has
withstood numerous prophecies of
his rule’s demise. However, in the
current crisis, PM Netanyahu is not
only facing mounting criticism from
outside of Israel but from inside too.
Domestically he is expected to fulfil
his pledge to quash Hamas, liberate
the hostages, and manage the unrest
within his coalition.
The terror strikes carried out by
Hamas on October 7, 2023, reignited
the Israel–Palestine conflict. In the
early days of the war, Israel received
support from the world communi-
ty. However, as the conflict dragged
on, the support began to reduce due
to Israel’s relentless retaliation on
Gaza. The international response
notably that of Arab states, focused
on achieving peace, by taking on the
role of war mediator. Against the giv- The Israeli public has questions about Netanyahu’s strategy of winning the war (File photo)
en backdrop, this viewpoint attempts
to evaluate the current political dis-
pensation of Israel, revolving around al Unity Party (MK) was constituted. corruption that have been levelled Democracy Institute, 70% of Arab
Netanyahu, to determine whether fu- In addition, two observer members, against him for many years now. Israelis now believe they are a part
ture regional peace will occur. Ron Dermer (Likud) and Gadi Ei- Following his decision to restructure of Israel. This is the largest percent-
zenkot (MK), are there to partici- the judiciary, his popularity further age since the group began polling on
POLITICAL LANDSCAPE pate in the Wartime Cabinet because plummeted. However, on January the issue two decades ago. This fa-
AMIDST WAR of their military expertise, though 1, 2024, the Supreme Court struck vours the current far-right coalition
Israel’s political electoral history they are not eligible to cast votes on down the government’s judicial over- opinion. The fact that Benny Gantz
has never seen a government with a decisions. It resulted in an “emer- haul decision, which came at a crucial joined the emergency cabinet despite
complete majority since its incep- gency government” to take wartime time when the country was deeply his opposition demonstrates how
tion. The year 2022 was no different, decision. However, some reports divided by PM Netanyahu’s politics. unity amidst the conflict takes prece-
though. This time, the far-right and suggest rifts within this wartime Cab- Post-Hamas attacks, three trends are dence over political differences.
ultra-orthodox parties have a sub- inet. One such instance is Eisenkot’s observed. The second trend reflects an
stantially higher presence headed by criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of The first trend suggests a turn- unrelenting criticism of Netanya-
PM Netanyahu. The nationalist Li- the ongoing war with Hamas, stating around in public opinion evolving hu about the security failure of the
kud Party secured the most seats as that it was unrealistic to talk about towards unity inside Israel, which nation-state. With the devastating
compared to any other party. How- defeating the terror group complete- could favour the Prime Minister. For war in Gaza, the opinion polls show
ever, to form a government, it need- ly and that fresh elections should be instance, the ultra-orthodox minority lagging support for his government,
ed to include five other parties, which held in the coming months to rebuild known as Haredim in Israel has be- which has led to protests, especially
helped Netanyahu come to power. public confidence in the government. gun to support military service, which by the families of the hostages, the
In the wake of the October 7 otherwise it has always opposed. reservists, and the opposition in Is-
attacks, a three-member wartime NETANYAHU’S DOMESTIC There is a tilt amongst Arab Israelis rael. The current dynamics provide
security Cabinet consisting of PM CHALLENGES towards nationalism since their fam- the opposition parties with an op-
Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Pre-Gaza war, the credibility ilies were kidnapped and murdered portunity to criticise PM Netanyahu
Gallant, and centre-right opposition of PM Netanyahu was dwindling in by Hamas. According to a November on grounds of the negligence of the
leader Benny Gantz from the Nation- light of the numerous allegations of poll conducted in 2023 by the Israel Continued on next page... >>

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