New findings shed light on how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leveraged the ongoing conflict to maintain his political power, minimizing accountability while the war escalated.
Netanyahu's Survival Tactics Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
Netanyahu's Survival Tactics Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
In-depth investigation reveals political maneuvering during Israel-Hamas war.
When Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, it seemed to signal the end of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political trajectory. However, as the conflict persists nearly two years later, Netanyahu has managed to strengthen his position within Israeli politics. An extensive investigation sheds light on the strategic moves that allowed him to navigate this crisis to his advantage.
The investigative team, consisting of Patrick Kingsley, Ronen Bergman, and Natan Odenheimer, interviewed over 110 officials from Israel, the United States, and the Arab world, while also analyzing multiple documents, including meeting minutes and war plans. They unveil how Netanyahu not only failed to heed warnings about the attack but also skillfully shifted the blame onto his defense and intelligence officials.
In July 2023, while recuperating from surgery, Netanyahu received a dire intelligence report which indicated that groups like Hamas were preparing to exploit Israel’s internal strife triggered by his controversial judicial reforms. Ignoring such alerts, he proceeded with legislative actions that further fueled unrest—actions that allowed Hamas to launch its long-planned offensive two days later.
As the crisis unfolded, Netanyahu attempted to deflect responsibility, questioning the effectiveness of his security apparatus in the aftermath of the attack. This narrative set the stage for him to maneuver through the political fallout, prolonging the war and diverting scrutiny from his administration’s initial failures.
The investigation highlights several key takeaways. For instance, the war's continuation inadvertently resulted in Israel successfully confronting Hezbollah while inflicting substantial damage on Iran's influence. Nevertheless, this protraction simultaneously exacerbated the humanitarian plight of Palestinians and led to the tragic loss of Israeli hostages.
In conclusion, Netanyahu's ability to transform a dire political situation into an opportunity for survival raises profound questions about leadership accountability amidst crisis and the implications of political maneuvers in times of conflict.
