Israeli prime minister's struggle for survival Firing key officials amid Gaza conflict

A recent article by The Atlantic delves into Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current political maneuvering, highlighting his desperate actions to maintain power amidst mounting crises. Netanyahu has reignited the war in Gaza, fired key officials, and continues to push a controversial judicial reform agenda—all of which seem to be motivated by his urgent need to retain his position before facing imminent threats to his rule. With an election on the horizon if a budget is not passed by March 31, Netanyahu's moves appear more focused on political survival than resolving the conflict or advancing peace in Gaza.

The author argues that Netanyahu's failure to pursue a meaningful cease-fire deal with Hamas has more to do with preserving his fragile coalition and avoiding elections than achieving peace. Despite an initial cease-fire agreement, which included negotiations for a permanent ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, the deal collapsed when fighting resumed. The blame for this, according to the article, lies not solely with the irreconcilable differences between Israel and Hamas, but also with Netanyahu’s unwillingness to engage seriously with proposals to rebuild Gaza.

Netanyahu’s coalition is under strain, and key parties like the far-right Jewish Power and Religious Zionism are not only disillusioned with the peace process but also with Netanyahu’s failure to secure military victory. These political parties’ demand for intensified fighting in Gaza to achieve “absolute victory” complicates Netanyahu’s position, making any diplomatic move precarious.

In addition to the war and the internal struggles within his coalition, Netanyahu faces an emerging corruption scandal known as “Qatargate,” which implicates some of his closest aides in financial ties to Qatar, a major Hamas supporter. This investigation has led to the dismissal of Israel’s Shin Bet chief, Ronen Bar, and may also explain Netanyahu’s move to oust Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara. The timing of these dismissals, coinciding with the ongoing investigation, raises suspicions that Netanyahu is attempting to shut down inquiries that could threaten his political survival.

The article also addresses the broader political ramifications of Netanyahu’s actions. The push for judicial reform, aimed at giving more power to politicians in judicial appointments, further complicates the Israeli political landscape. While this reform is not directly tied to the corruption scandal, it serves to distract from the ongoing investigations and protests, ensuring that Netanyahu’s government can maintain its grip on power. The result is a volatile situation where Netanyahu is seemingly willing to sacrifice the country’s democratic integrity and the safety of its citizens to preserve his hold on leadership.

By Vugar Khalilov