Netanyahu’s Resilience: A Political Tightrope Walk Amidst War and Indictment

Washington D.C. – Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, continues to navigate a precarious political landscape, even as a U.S.-brokered peace plan for Gaza offers a potential, if controversial, lifeline. Facing ongoing corruption trials, international accusations of war crimes, and a deeply fractured coalition, Netanyahu’s survival remains a testament to his political acumen and a series of fortunate circumstances, the latest being direct intervention from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

A History of Crisis: Netanyahu’s Enduring Power

Benjamin Netanyahu’s political career has been defined by a remarkable ability to withstand crises. Having served as prime minister for a cumulative 18 years – nearly a quarter of Israel’s history – his tenure has been consistently shadowed by scandal and the threat of collapse. Even during his first term in the late 1990s, questions of his leadership were rampant. A 1997 Washington Post editorial, “Can Mr. Netanyahu hang on?”, foreshadowed the recurring narrative of his political vulnerability.

Early setbacks, including a botched attempt to assassinate Hamas leader Khaled Meshal and subsequent damage to relations with key Arab allies, earned him the unflattering label of “Israel’s serial bungler” from The Economist. The Economist criticized his pursuit of popularity over sound policy and questioned his assumptions regarding the Palestinians.

Despite these early challenges, Netanyahu cultivated a base of support, particularly among American Republicans, with his “easy eloquence.” However, even then, critics pointed to a pattern of scandal and a perceived arrogance in his approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This pattern has persisted for nearly three decades.

The Current Predicament: A Convergence of Challenges

Today, Netanyahu faces a confluence of pressures unlike any he has encountered before. Polls indicate his governing coalition would fall if elections were held now. Internal divisions, particularly over the contentious issue of military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox communities (Reuters), threaten to unravel the government. He is simultaneously battling corruption charges in a long-running trial and facing a commission of inquiry into the security failures that precipitated the devastating events of October 7 (The Atlantic).

Internationally, Netanyahu’s position is increasingly isolated. He is under indictment for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, prompting him to take a circuitous flight route to the UN General Assembly to avoid potential arrest warrants (CNN). Furthermore, Israel faces potential exclusion from international research projects (Reuters) and even cultural events like the Eurovision song contest (Sky News).

Trump’s Intervention and the Gaza Deal

In a dramatic turn of events, Netanyahu was reportedly “strong-armed” by former President Trump into accepting a peace deal for Gaza (The New York Times). This deal, while potentially short-circuiting a planned military operation, also appears to align with Netanyahu’s long-term strategy of avoiding a decisive resolution to the conflict. Trump’s blunt assessment – “I don’t know why you’re always so f***ing negative. This is a win. Take it.” – underscores the power dynamics at play.

Despite initial reluctance, Netanyahu now frames the deal as his own initiative, a move that has resonated with the Israeli public. The plan’s vagueness regarding troop withdrawal and Palestinian statehood further strengthens his position, allowing him to appeal to both domestic and international audiences.

What do you believe is the primary motivation behind Netanyahu’s acceptance of this deal – genuine progress towards peace, or a calculated political maneuver?

The Paradox of Prolonged Conflict

The ongoing war in Gaza has become inextricably linked to Netanyahu’s political survival. Allegations that he prolonged the conflict to maintain power (The New York Times) are widespread. Avoiding a hostage deal that would necessitate troop withdrawal or empower Hamas or the Palestinian Authority would likely have triggered a government collapse and potential jail time.

Throughout his career, Netanyahu has often opted for inaction when faced with difficult choices. This strategy appears to be paying off once again. Even if the peace plan falters, Netanyahu benefits. A continued war allows him to maintain the status quo, while a successful outcome provides a significant political victory.

Living to Fight Another Day

Beyond the immediate challenges of the war and the peace deal, Netanyahu faces a looming legal reckoning. His corruption trial, ongoing since 2020, carries the potential for a lengthy prison sentence. The inquiry into the October 7 security failures and the years-long policy of funding Hamas (CNN) also pose significant threats.

However, Netanyahu’s political resilience is remarkable. The international community’s response to his situation is complicated by the precedent set by the treatment of other leaders facing international scrutiny, such as Vladimir Putin (Politico). The Abraham Accords and the potential for renewed regional normalization, facilitated by Arab participation in the Trump peace plan (Axios), offer further opportunities for political maneuvering.

Do you think Netanyahu’s long-term political survival depends more on domestic factors or international developments?

Frequently Asked Questions About Benjamin Netanyahu

• What is Benjamin Netanyahu’s historical significance in Israeli politics?

  Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history, having held office for a cumulative 18 years across three non-consecutive terms. His tenure has been marked by both significant achievements and persistent controversy.

• What are the current legal challenges facing Benjamin Netanyahu?

  Netanyahu is currently facing charges in a long-running corruption trial and is the subject of a commission of inquiry investigating the security failures that led to the October 7 attacks.

• How has the recent peace deal for Gaza impacted Netanyahu’s political position?

  The U.S.-brokered peace deal, while controversial, appears to benefit Netanyahu by offering a potential path to de-escalation and a political victory, even if its implementation is uncertain.

• What role did Donald Trump play in the recent Gaza peace negotiations?

  Former President Trump reportedly “strong-armed” Netanyahu into accepting the peace deal, highlighting the significant influence the U.S. president wields in the region.

• What is the status of the Abraham Accords under Netanyahu’s leadership?

  The Abraham Accords, while initially a signature achievement, have been threatened by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel’s policies towards the West Bank, but may be revitalized through Arab participation in the new peace plan.