Behind Netanyahu's Political Survival in the Gaza Conflict

An analysis reveals how Benjamin Netanyahu capitalized on the conflict in Gaza to strengthen his political position while managing the consequences of war.

When Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, it appeared that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might face a decisive political collapse. Fast forward nearly two years, and amidst the ongoing conflict, Netanyahu has emerged with renewed domestic support. A comprehensive investigation spanning six months has uncovered new insights into the dynamics of his political survival amid military hostilities and changing geopolitical landscapes.

This investigation is supported by interviews with over 110 officials, originating from Israel, the United States, and other Middle Eastern nations, as well as the examination of countless documents including war plans, cabinet meeting notes, and intelligence reports. The depths of Netanyahu's maneuvering during this tumultuous period reveal how he not only weathered accusations of negligence over the October crisis but effectively turned the prolonged conflict to his political advantage.

The investigation details access to vital moments in Netanyahu’s life, showcasing visits to the military headquarters, and inner discussions during the ceasefire negotiations that occurred throughout 2024 and 2025. It exposes how Netanyahu’s initial failures left Israel vulnerable to the Hamas attack. Notably, prior to the assault, intelligence warnings were dismissed or ignored by Netanyahu, who was entrenched in controversial domestic initiatives that distracted from national security.

In the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attacks, Netanyahu quickly deflected blame onto Israel’s defense leaders, framing their intelligence failures as pivotal to the disastrous security breach. This strategy of evading responsibility seems to have laid groundwork for bolstering support among his constituents, despite the growing humanitarian crises in Gaza.

This intricate narrative of failure, survival, and opportunism points to a paradox: Netanyahu's extensive decisions not only prolonged the conflict leading to a dire human cost but paradoxically enhanced his grip on power by allowing him to reshape the national conversation and rally political support around issues of security and resilience.

The implications of this investigation highlight the complex interplay of military decisions and political survival, raising critical questions about leadership during crises and the moral responsibility of leaders in times of warfare. As the conflict continues to evolve, Netanyahu's approaches may influence the future landscape of both Israeli politics and the broader Middle Eastern geopolitics.