Amid heightened tensions and complex negotiations, Prime Minister Netanyahu finds himself in a stronger position regarding the Gaza war, bolstered by a successful campaign against Iran which has garnered public support.
Netanyahu’s Strategy: Strengthening Position Amid Gaza Conflict and Iran Tensions
Netanyahu’s Strategy: Strengthening Position Amid Gaza Conflict and Iran Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to solidify his political standing by leveraging recent actions against Iran, affecting the ongoing Gaza conflict.
June 24, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
For the past 18 months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deliberately maintained the ongoing war in Gaza, knowing that a truce could trigger the collapse of his coalition government leading to elections he was likely to lose. However, recent strikes against Iran, coupled with U.S. support for actions targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure, have provided Netanyahu with a newfound stability.
With Israel rallying behind his military initiatives against Tehran, polls show Netanyahu's approval ratings have surged to their highest since the Gaza war ignited in October 2023. This boost has positioned him favorably, suggesting that if his coalition were to falter now, he might still have a viable pathway back to power. Observers speculate that this shift could empower him to negotiate more flexibly on the Gaza situation.
Mitchell Barak, a political analyst and former advisor to Netanyahu, expressed, “He’s at the strongest he’s been for years. When you’re that strong, you can make that deal, you can end the war in Gaza — and not be afraid that your government is going to collapse.”
Despite these possibilities, Netanyahu has shown no intention of softening his stance towards Hamas, insisting that any halt in hostilities is contingent upon the surrender of Hamas and the leadership’s exile, conditions that have repeatedly drawn firm rejection from the group. In an official statement, Netanyahu's office reiterated that "Hamas is the only obstacle to ending the war," demanding the release of hostages and complete surrender of control over Gaza.
As public demonstrations in Israel increasingly call for the return of hostages, the pressure mounts on Netanyahu, yet his current strategy appears focused on projecting strength before potential negotiations on Gaza can commence.
For the past 18 months, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has deliberately maintained the ongoing war in Gaza, knowing that a truce could trigger the collapse of his coalition government leading to elections he was likely to lose. However, recent strikes against Iran, coupled with U.S. support for actions targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure, have provided Netanyahu with a newfound stability.
With Israel rallying behind his military initiatives against Tehran, polls show Netanyahu's approval ratings have surged to their highest since the Gaza war ignited in October 2023. This boost has positioned him favorably, suggesting that if his coalition were to falter now, he might still have a viable pathway back to power. Observers speculate that this shift could empower him to negotiate more flexibly on the Gaza situation.
Mitchell Barak, a political analyst and former advisor to Netanyahu, expressed, “He’s at the strongest he’s been for years. When you’re that strong, you can make that deal, you can end the war in Gaza — and not be afraid that your government is going to collapse.”
Despite these possibilities, Netanyahu has shown no intention of softening his stance towards Hamas, insisting that any halt in hostilities is contingent upon the surrender of Hamas and the leadership’s exile, conditions that have repeatedly drawn firm rejection from the group. In an official statement, Netanyahu's office reiterated that "Hamas is the only obstacle to ending the war," demanding the release of hostages and complete surrender of control over Gaza.
As public demonstrations in Israel increasingly call for the return of hostages, the pressure mounts on Netanyahu, yet his current strategy appears focused on projecting strength before potential negotiations on Gaza can commence.
