As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrates a purported victory over Iran's nuclear ambitions, he finds himself grappling with a crisis of confidence among many Israelis. Following a controversial decision to abandon a ceasefire deal earlier this year—an act many commentators likened to “political suicide”—his approval ratings have sagged sharply.
In March, just before the Israeli prime minister opted to renew military actions in Gaza, a ceasefire deal brokered by Donald Trump's envoy had resulted in the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite this opportunity for peace, Netanyahu chose to escalate the conflict, insisting that military action would persist until Hamas was "completely destroyed." This option sidelined the safe return of hostages, provoking outrage among their families who felt their loved ones' safety was secondary to Netanyahu's political interests.
Fast forward three months, Netanyahu now claims a significant military success against Iran, hinting at potential early elections and further political maneuvers to solidify his position. Drawing from this newfound confidence, the 75-year-old leader expressed his intention to continue as long as he retains popular support, proclaiming that much work remains to be done.
However, the latest polls indicate a disconnect between Netanyahu's triumph and the electorate's trust. Results show over 59% of Israelis favor halting hostilities in Gaza in exchange for hostages, while nearly half perceive Netanyahu’s ongoing warfare as politically self-serving. This skepticism underscores a deep divide in Israeli trust towards the long-serving politician, with recent data revealing that he fails to garner even 50% confidence among citizens.
Political analysts suggest that next steps may carry significant risks for Netanyahu. Coalition politics complicate any aggressive moves; current polling exposes his Likud Party as unable to secure a majority on its own, potentially enhancing the composure of smaller right-wing parties in the Knesset. Prof. Tamar Hermann of the Israel Democracy Institute emphasizes that trust is a critical hurdle for Netanyahu, whose fluctuating leadership style over the years has damaged his credibility with the electorate.
Despite his machinations regarding Iran, Netanyahu faces additional challenges, including an upcoming court appearance regarding corruption charges tied to bribery and fraud. His supporters frame this as a politically motivated witch hunt, yet public sentiment remains polarized, and many advocate for his accountability before the law.
In a recent display of ideological inconsistency, even President Trump has been critiqued for his comments regarding Netanyahu's legal challenges, revealing the complexities in U.S.-Israeli relations. Furthermore, accusations against Netanyahu regarding war crimes in Gaza cast further shadows over his leadership.
As the Israeli public grapples with domestic disarray, it remains uncertain whether Netanyahu will call for elections while the war with Hamas continues. Yet, historically, observers have noted not to underestimate Netanyahu’s political instincts.
