War Without Victory, Economy Under Strain
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, is facing one of the most precarious moments of his political career. After more than 16 years at the helm, his leadership is under intense scrutiny, challenged by an unresolved war in Gaza, spiraling economic pressures, and mounting domestic and international criticism.
No Decisive Military Victories
Netanyahu’s reputation as a security hawk has not translated into clear-cut military victories. Since returning to office in 2009, he has presided over multiple conflicts—Gaza wars in 2012, 2014, and the ongoing campaign since 2023, as well as operations against Hezbollah and in Syria. Unlike the historic triumphs under Ben-Gurion or Eshkol, Netanyahu’s wars have ended in ceasefires or stalemates, with no definitive resolution. The current Gaza war, ignited by the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, remains unresolved after nearly 600 days, with no clear path to victory.
Coalition Politics and Endless War
The continuation of the Gaza conflict is deeply entangled with Netanyahu’s political survival. His coalition, the most right-wing in Israel’s history, is held together by a shared commitment to military action and opposition to compromise. Far-right partners threaten to topple the government if Netanyahu pursues a ceasefire or negotiations with Hamas. This dynamic has led to a hardline stance, with the cabinet recently approving plans for an expanded offensive in Gaza, including the possible seizure of the entire Strip and the relocation of its civilian population further south.
Netanyahu’s government has also seen dramatic internal upheaval. He dismissed the head of the Shin Bet security service and initiated proceedings to remove the attorney general, moves widely seen as attempts to consolidate power and shield himself from ongoing corruption trials. These actions have deepened divisions within Israel’s security and judicial establishments, fueling public protests and raising the specter of a constitutional crisis.
Economic Pressures and Public Discontent
While Netanyahu touts Israel’s economic resilience, ordinary Israelis are feeling the pain. Inflation has surged to 3.8%—the highest in over a year—while the cost of living is set to rise further due to increases in VAT, municipal taxes, and national insurance rates. For many families, this means hundreds of shekels in extra monthly expenses. Critics argue that the government’s budget prioritizes coalition interests over much-needed economic reforms, leaving infrastructure and workforce challenges unaddressed.
International Isolation and Strategic Dilemmas
Netanyahu’s hardline approach is increasingly at odds with international partners. As U.S. President Donald Trump and Arab states push for an end to the Gaza conflict and broader regional integration, Netanyahu remains committed to military escalation and territorial control. This stance has left Israel more isolated diplomatically, even as the war expands into a multi-front confrontation with Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
A Legacy Under Scrutiny
Netanyahu’s legacy is now marked by paradox: he has kept Israel militarily active but without decisive victories, and while the economy has grown, the costs are being borne by ordinary citizens. With public frustration mounting, coalition stability fragile, and no end to the Gaza war in sight, Netanyahu finds himself between a rock and a hard place—his political future tied to a conflict that offers no easy exit, and a domestic landscape rife with discontent.
As one Israeli commentator put it, “Netanyahu has solved his most pressing personal and political problems. But what of Israel’s?”
Citations:
https://www.osmed.it/2025/04/10/lone-survivor-benjamin-netanyahu-israel-and-gaza/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/resumed-war-solves-netanyahus-problems-but-what-of-israels/
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/opinion/trump-iran-israel.html
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