Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated military action against Hamas following one of the deadliest days in the ongoing war. Tuesday’s airstrikes killed hundreds, intensifying the conflict. While Israeli and U.S. officials cited Hamas’s reluctance in recent negotiations as the catalyst, others pointed to intelligence suggesting an imminent attack on Israel. However, political analysts and leaders from across Israel’s spectrum argue that Netanyahu’s decision was also driven by rising domestic pressures.
Mounting Political Challenges
In recent weeks, Netanyahu has clashed with top security officials, many of whom support a deal to recover hostages still held in Gaza. His decision to dismiss the head of Israel’s internal intelligence agency has sparked public outcry, with opposition figures and security experts questioning his leadership. Meanwhile, he faces a critical March 31 deadline to pass a national budget in the Knesset or risk his government collapsing under Israeli law.
To secure support for the budget, Netanyahu has leaned on far-right political allies who have consistently demanded an aggressive military stance. Chuck Freilich, former deputy national security adviser, noted the political dimension of the renewed war effort. “There is a military case that Hamas is rebuilding, but the timing cannot be ignored,” he said.
Strengthening Coalition Support
Following the latest attacks, far-right leader Itamar Ben Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party, reaffirmed his support for Netanyahu, ensuring a stronger parliamentary position. However, opposition leaders Yair Lapid, Yair Golan, and Gadi Eisenkot voiced concerns, warning that military escalation could jeopardize hostage negotiations. They questioned whether Netanyahu prioritized political survival over securing the return of Israelis held by Hamas.
Families Demand Action
Protests have surged as families of hostages demand answers. Einav Zangauker, whose son is among the 24 believed to be alive in Gaza, accused Netanyahu of placing politics above the hostages’ fate. Leading a demonstration near the Gaza border, she threatened to form a human chain to block a ground invasion.
Netanyahu defended his actions in a recorded statement Tuesday evening, emphasizing that military pressure was necessary to secure the hostages’ release. He dismissed accusations that political motives influenced his decisions, stating, “They have no shame. They are echoing Hamas propaganda.”
Strategic Military Decisions
Israeli officials revealed that the recent strikes had been planned for weeks as peace negotiations faltered. Hamas’s latest proposal involved releasing only one hostage, Israeli-American Edan Alexander, further widening the gap between the two sides. This prompted Netanyahu to authorize phased military operations that could escalate to a full-scale ground offensive.
U.S. Reactions and Political Alignments
Netanyahu’s move comes amid shifting U.S. diplomatic relations. His preference for a strategy aligned with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has raised eyebrows. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Israel consulted Washington before the operation and used language reminiscent of Trump, warning Hamas that “all hell will break loose.”
Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. State Department official, suggested that Netanyahu feels more emboldened under a U.S. administration that supports his approach. “On Gaza, Netanyahu and Trump are completely aligned,” Miller said.
Internal Divisions
Netanyahu’s dismissal of Shin Bet director Ronen Bar has further exposed rifts within the Israeli government. Bar and other security officials have advocated prioritizing hostage negotiations over extending the war. Mass protests erupted in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night, with an estimated 40,000 demonstrators voicing their dissent.
Avi Melamed, a former military intelligence official, believes Netanyahu remains undeterred. “Netanyahu’s government is fragile, and it relies on far-right support,” he explained. “They are pressuring him not just to continue the war but to intensify it.”
As Netanyahu navigates internal and external pressures, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains in a volatile state. With military operations escalating and political stakes rising, the coming weeks will determine the future of both the war effort and Netanyahu’s leadership.
