Netanyahu's War Decisions Driven by Power Struggles

Months of secret negotiations revealed how personal and political stakes influenced Israel's actions amid the Gaza war.

As the war in Gaza entered its sixth month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced intense political pressure and looming decisions that would test both his leadership and strategy. Unbeknownst to many within his cabinet, Netanyahu was contemplating an end to the violence, spurred by negotiations aimed at securing extended cease-fire terms with Hamas. The potential agreement could have led to the release of hostages and significant humanitarian relief for the beleaguered residents of Gaza, yet it also threatened his tenuous hold on power.

In an April 2024 meeting at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu, who had been maneuvering to secure a six-week truce, adopted a covert approach to keep his plan sheltered from his cabinet’s scrutiny. The root of this caution stemmed from the delicate coalition he governed, largely composed of far-right figures who were staunchly opposed to any form of concession or withdrawal from Gaza. Their ambitious agenda aimed at re-occupying the territory and reinforcing Jewish settlements came into direct conflict with Netanyahu's goals of achieving peace—an act that could cement his legacy and stabilize ties with Saudi Arabia, a long-desired diplomatic milestone.

However, the specter of political fallout loomed as Netanyahu faced opposition from within. During the crucial cabinet discussion, the atmosphere shifted when Bezalel Smotrich, one of the far-right ministers, openly challenged Netanyahu’s truce proposal. Smotrich, in a dramatic declaration, threatened the government’s stability by asserting that proceeding with a cease-fire would ultimately lead to its downfall. The tension mounted as he emphasized, “if a surrender agreement like this is brought forward, you no longer have a government.”

Caught between potentially groundbreaking negotiations for peace and internal political strife, Netanyahu was forced to navigate through a web of conflicting interests. As Israel's political future hung in the balance, his decision-making process showcased the interplay between statecraft and personal ambition in the face of a humanitarian crisis. The path he chose would not only affect Gaza's fate but also redefine his own position amid a fractured political landscape in Israel.