The killing of three hostages in Gaza by Israeli soldiers intensifies domestic pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid his resistance to international calls for a cease-fire. Netanyahu's grip on power appears shakier as the war continues without resolution and criticism of his handling of the situation grows.
Gaza Hostage Deaths Weaken Netanyahu’s Grip on Power The killing of three hostages in Gaza by Israeli soldiers adds domestic pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu as he resists international calls for a cease-fire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down on his opposition to an interim government in Gaza and an eventual Palestinian state. He boasted that he had prevented the creation of a Palestinian state in the past and would continue to do so. Netanyahu is trying to appeal to Israelis who mistrust the Palestinians and argue that a two-state solution is a dangerous fantasy. However, as the war continues without resolution, the deaths mount, and Israel’s main Western allies are sharpening their criticism of him, his grip on power seems shakier than ever. The actions of the Israeli soldiers who killed hostages may give impetus to those who argue that the intense military campaign is endangering those still held captive and bringing Israel into disrepute. The deaths were labeled as a war crime by some commentators, and there are growing calls for another effort at a cease-fire in Gaza to allow negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages. President Biden has criticized Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza, and other foreign ministers have urged Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians toward a two-state solution. Netanyahu also faces criticism for playing politics openly in the midst of a war. The killings add pressure on the Israeli government for fresh negotiations to free others, and talks are continuing with the aid of Qatar and Egypt. The risks to the remaining hostages have become very concrete, giving a boost to the prisoner exchange movement.
Gaza Hostage Deaths Weaken Netanyahu’s Grip on Power The killing of three hostages in Gaza by Israeli soldiers adds domestic pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu as he resists international calls for a cease-fire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down on his opposition to an interim government in Gaza and an eventual Palestinian state. He boasted that he had prevented the creation of a Palestinian state in the past and would continue to do so. Netanyahu is trying to appeal to Israelis who mistrust the Palestinians and argue that a two-state solution is a dangerous fantasy. However, as the war continues without resolution, the deaths mount, and Israel’s main Western allies are sharpening their criticism of him, his grip on power seems shakier than ever. The actions of the Israeli soldiers who killed hostages may give impetus to those who argue that the intense military campaign is endangering those still held captive and bringing Israel into disrepute. The deaths were labeled as a war crime by some commentators, and there are growing calls for another effort at a cease-fire in Gaza to allow negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages. President Biden has criticized Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” of Gaza, and other foreign ministers have urged Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians toward a two-state solution. Netanyahu also faces criticism for playing politics openly in the midst of a war. The killings add pressure on the Israeli government for fresh negotiations to free others, and talks are continuing with the aid of Qatar and Egypt. The risks to the remaining hostages have become very concrete, giving a boost to the prisoner exchange movement.