Netanyahu committed to remain in power despite all setbacks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Foreign Policy
28 Nov 2023 20:35
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The Israeli PM's threefold strategy includes deflecting blame for the security lapses, maintaining his extremist coalition at any cost, and biding his time until he can point to tangible achievements.

A woman takes a photo of a poster showing Israelis held captive in Gaza plastered underneath a picture of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with calls for the Israeli leader to reach a deal to bring them home, in "Tel Aviv", Palestine, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself at a critical juncture in his political career as he grapples with a series of challenges, including dismal poll numbers, a failed security apparatus that led to a surprise operation by the Resistance, involvement in genocide in Gaza, and ongoing corruption cases.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Netanyahu appears determined to remain in power, a report by Foreign Policy details on Tuesday.

His threefold strategy includes deflecting blame for the security lapses, maintaining his extremist coalition at any cost, and biding his time until he can point to tangible achievements. Analysts suggest that Netanyahu's hope lies in the success of the genocidal campaign and the passage of time to appease Israelis' anger from the recent crisis.

A significant development over the weekend saw the Palestinian Resistance releasing about 50 Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and children. Though the move is said to be widely welcomed on both sides of the struggle, deep-seated anguish remains over the fate of numerous captives still held in Gaza.

The crisis unfolded on October 7 when Resistance fighters broke through the perimeter fence around Gaza, resulting in the abduction of around 240 people. While military officials acknowledged responsibility, Netanyahu has refrained from accepting blame, fueling public anger. Calls for an Israeli commission of inquiry to investigate the security lapse have grown, but Netanyahu insists that the focus should be on "annihilating" the Resistance.

Despite the tumultuous situation, Netanyahu seems to have secured his immediate survival by bringing opposition figures with strong security credentials into his war cabinet. This move helped divert attention away from Netanyahu's personal challenges by portraying the struggle as a sort of campaign for survival against those aiming to destroy "Israel".

According to analysts, Netanyahu's fear of incrimination and his skillful political maneuvering have contributed to his survival thus far.

"He belongs in the garbage bin of history," said Gadi Shamni, a retired general who served as "Israel’s" military attaché in Washington.

Recent polls indicate a decline in support for Netanyahu's extremist coalition, with respondents favoring opposition figures like Benny Gantz. Still, Netanyahu's standing within Likud remains robust, and his expertise in coalition politics enables him to keep partners on board.