In a week marked by unexpected twists, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emerged stronger than ever, poised to potentially extend his rule until the country’s next elections in 2026 and possibly beyond. The 75-year-old veteran politician successfully ousted his defense minister and received a timely boost from the victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential race.
Netanyahu’s newly fortified position has raised concerns among critics that Israel’s campaigns in Lebanon and Gaza could further intensify. However, the incoming US president has expressed his desire to swiftly conclude both conflicts, although the path to achieving that goal remains uncertain.
Netanyahu’s Resilience Surprises Observers
The political staying power of Netanyahu has caught many analysts off guard, especially considering that a majority of Israelis hold him accountable for the missteps that enabled Hamas to launch devastating attacks into Israel in October, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the capture of over 250 hostages.
He never blinks. He has an internal compass and he follows that regardless of what is happening around him. People are shouting and protesting but he does what he thinks is best.
– Professor Tamar Hermann, Israel Democracy Institute
Critics argue that Netanyahu prioritizes his own interests, while admirers contend that he consistently acts in the best interest of the nation. Regardless of perspective, his unwavering determination has been a hallmark of his leadership style.
Defense Minister’s Ouster Prompts Limited Backlash
The dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, widely regarded as the lone moderate voice within the most right-wing government in Israel’s history, triggered only muted protests. Organizers attributed the low turnout to the “tense war atmosphere” gripping the country, with many parents reluctant to leave their children unattended amid the ongoing hostilities.
The deal on the table in July would have got [my cousin] out but Netanyahu decided not to sign the deal… The main point is Netanyahu has got to put an end to this or we will never be able to forgive ourselves. Gallant told us Netanyahu is the only decision-maker regarding a deal.
– Gil Dickmann, relative of a hostage killed in Gaza
According to sources present at a private meeting, the former defense minister revealed that negotiators had been close to securing a ceasefire earlier in the summer when Hamas agreed to a prisoner exchange. Gallant reportedly stated that the Israeli offensive had achieved its objectives in Gaza, but Netanyahu chose not to proceed with the agreement at that time.
Netanyahu Consolidates Power as Defense Minister
With the appointment of Israel Katz, a loyal ally of Netanyahu, as the new defense minister, analysts predict that the prime minister will now wield unprecedented control over security matters. Some commentators suggest that Netanyahu will effectively serve as both the prime minister and defense minister, solidifying his already substantial authority.
Although polls indicate that Netanyahu remains broadly unpopular, his hardline approach resonates with a significant portion of Jewish Israeli voters. While the methodology of recent surveys has faced scrutiny, they imply that Netanyahu’s Likud party would emerge as the dominant force if elections were to be held in the near future.
Political Challenges and Controversies
Netanyahu’s governing coalition managed to avoid collapse over the contentious issue of conscripting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military. The prime minister has also benefited from the recent killings of key adversaries, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, by Israeli forces. Meanwhile, the political opposition continues to grapple with internal divisions and a lack of clear direction.
That Netanyahu can think about further terms says a lot about the inability of [the left] in Israel to get over relatively small disagreements to create a joint vision for the future, or at least an alternative vision.
– Professor Tamar Hermann, Israel Democracy Institute
A brewing scandal involving Netanyahu’s aides, accused of stealing and potentially forging secret intelligence documents before leaking them to international media, has thus far failed to gain significant traction. Observers doubt that the affair will pose a serious threat to the prime minister’s standing.
Trump’s Victory: A Boon for Netanyahu
The triumph of Donald Trump in the US presidential election has provided an additional boost to Netanyahu’s prospects. In contrast to the strained relationship with the administration of Joe Biden, despite its steadfast support throughout the 13-month Gaza conflict, Trump’s first term in office yielded a range of initiatives embraced by Israel’s right-wing.
Donald Trump always says he wants less innocent people to die – that is his stance whether we’re talking about the war in Gaza, whether we’re talking about Russia in Ukraine or anywhere else. So I do believe he wants the war to end as soon as possible, like all rational people do, but he wants it to end with a decisive victory.
– Elizabeth Pipko, Republican Party spokesperson
While Trump has articulated his wish to see the wars in Gaza and Lebanon conclude swiftly and decisively in Israel’s favor, the specific implications of his return to the White House for the trajectory of these conflicts remain to be seen.
As Benjamin Netanyahu appears increasingly likely to guide Israel’s destiny for years to come, the nation finds itself at a critical juncture. The prime minister’s unassailable position, reinforced by domestic political shifts and the support of a newly elected US president, has the potential to profoundly shape the future of the Middle East. The world will be closely monitoring Netanyahu’s next moves, as the reverberations of his choices are set to extend far beyond Israel’s borders.
