In a recent opinion piece published in Haaretz, Israeli journalist Raviv Drucker argued that a potential deal could have been brokered in February, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to thwart it has had significant repercussions.

Drucker suggested that had Netanyahu pursued the agreement, dozens of abductees could have been released alive, potentially saving soldiers' lives, enabling northern settlers to return to their homes, and revitalizing the struggling economy.

There was also the possibility of finalizing a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, which could have strengthened a moderate alliance against Iran, he added.

Such cooperation, as per Drucker, could have facilitated a governance alternative in Gaza, led by Mohammed Dahlan and supported by the Emirates and the Palestinian Authority, "posing a genuine threat to Hamas rule."

He went on to say that even though developments—referring to the assassination of Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and the martyrdom of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar—had occurred, Netanyahu's intention was always to pursue only the initial phase of the deal. Thus, according to Drucker, the decision not to release captives stemmed more from political fears than from a genuine desire to eliminate Sinwar.

In Drucker's view, Netanyahu and his allies often conflate means with ends, emphasizing the "assassination of terrorists" as a primary goal.

While assassinating high-profile figures like Abu Jihad and Ahmed Yassin may enhance Israeli deterrence, the true aim should be to improve security conditions, not merely to generate headlines, he acknowledged.

Drucker went on to say that historical examples, such as the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, show that military actions do not always lead to favorable outcomes or stability.

Netanyahu's current approach, as per the Israeli journalist, has led to a deadlock, with ongoing wars in Lebanon and Gaza resulting in increasing casualties and no resolution in sight.

Hezbollah's strength, and lack of alternatives challenge Netanyahu's strategy 

Drucker also said that Hezbollah remains strong, international pressure is mounting, and the prospect of withdrawal from these regions seems impossible. He added that Netanyahu has not attempted to establish any governmental alternatives to Hezbollah in Lebanon or Hamas in Gaza.

Now, according to Drucker, Netanyahu is pivoting towards Iran, aiming to prolong the war to bolster his political standing and potentially draw the US into military action. Drucker noted that Netanyahu's recent statements regarding Iran appear to serve as justifications for future Israeli responses.

Sources indicate, as per Drucker, that the status of negotiations has not shifted following Sinwar's death, reinforcing Netanyahu's rationale for maintaining the war, as he believes that "eliminating Sinwar could create further opportunities for military action."

"The bottom line is that many scenarios can be played out for the continuation of the war, some of which certainly have eroded the military capabilities of our enemies. One scenario is hard to see: the end of the war. Netanyahu is not willing to hear about it," he concluded by saying.

Read more: Netanyahu wants 'Israel' from river to sea, Gaza war to continue