Netanyahu's Political Gamble: The Unveiling of Hidden Agendas Amidst the Israel-Hamas Conflict

From the United Nations to NGOs and even influencers, critics have not shied away from voicing their concerns about Israel's tactics in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Even US President Joe Biden has condemned what he calls "indiscriminate bombing." However, one aspect where Israel appears steadfast is in the consistency of its stated war aims.

The primary objectives are clear:

1. Dismantle Hamas to prevent a recurrence of the October 7 massacre.

2. Secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.

While there are other aims, such as reestablishing deterrence to Israel's foes and reassuring Israelis of the state's protective capabilities, these were the main focus—until recently.

In the past week, a third objective has boldly emerged: ensuring the re-election of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This shift in focus began when calls from the US were mounting for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, to take control of post-war Gaza. Netanyahu's response was resolute: "Not on my watch."

In discussions with lawmakers, the prime minister went further, blaming the Oslo Accords—a series of agreements between Israel and the Palestinians—for causing as many deaths as Hamas' October 7 massacre, albeit over a more extended period. This sudden pivot raised eyebrows and drew attention to a seemingly outdated, 30-year-old agreement.

"All Jewish Israelis are unanimous about the need to dismantle Hamas," says Yohanan Plesner, President of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI), adding that Netanyahu is attempting a shrewd political maneuver to position himself as the guardian of Israel's security interests.

However, critics argue that this new focus on a decades-old agreement comes at the expense of national interest. Plesner believes that, in practical terms, there are no substantial differences in how the US, Europe, or Israel envision the end of the conflict or the immediate post-war stage.

The recent survey published by IDI indicates that nearly 70% of Israelis want new elections once the war with Hamas concludes. More concerning for Netanyahu is the revelation that 31% of his own Likud voters are considering voting for a different party next time.

Netanyahu's popularity has suffered, particularly after being blamed for the failures leading to the October 7 attack. Furthermore, his inability to bring the hostages home, despite some being released during the week-long truce, has intensified public dissatisfaction.

Protesters in Tel Aviv are now demanding that the government prioritize the return of hostages over the destruction of Hamas. This tragedy may hinder Netanyahu's ability to achieve his central war aim of dismantling Hamas.

As the political landscape evolves, Netanyahu's actions will likely be influenced by what he believes gives him the best chance of staying in office. Plesner suggests that Netanyahu sees himself playing a crucial role in Israeli and Jewish history, emphasizing the importance of legacy. However, whether he can avoid being defined by the October 7 attack remains uncertain.