Maariv: “Trump Will Be the Spark”—The Fires Now Reaching Netanyahu’s Government Will Politically Burn Him

In Israel, the end of governments always begins with internal disintegration. This is a lesson from 77 years of the state’s political history—whether it was the fall of the legendary Mapai government in 1977, the collapse of Likud after Menachem Begin, or the downfall of Kadima under Ehud Olmert.

Today, all signs of political decay are visible within Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition. The internal feuds and veiled threats—most recently the public clash between Yaakov Bardugo (Netanyahu’s loyal mouthpiece) and several Likud ministers—are not only criminal in tone, but clear evidence of a sick government in its early stages of collapse.

Don’t Count on the Ultra-Orthodox

While the Haredi bloc appears to hint at a looming government crisis, those hoping they’ll be the ones to topple Netanyahu are misguided. The ultra-Orthodox know well that no future government will give them the privileges they currently enjoy. They will be the last to abandon ship.

The Surprise Catalyst: Donald Trump

It may surprise many, but the most likely figure to bring down Netanyahu’s government may be none other than U.S. President Donald Trump.

Once idolised by Netanyahu and his supporters as the “Messianic King”, Trump was expected to deliver the impossible:

• • Crush Hamas

• • Secure the release of Israeli hostages

• • Neutralise Iran’s nuclear program—by force or diplomacy

• • And most importantly, seal a “Deal of the Century” with Saudi Arabia

But the reality is the exact opposite.

Trump has done little to help Netanyahu and is now cornering him politically. In fact, he is working behind Netanyahu’s back, taking actions that directly undermine Israeli interests, with more damaging moves likely to come.

As Trump prepares for his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, analysts note he is far less attentive to Israel’s problems than before.

Netanyahu Is Running Out of Time

The Israeli prime minister—who made bold promises before the last elections—is now leading a government that has utterly failed. It continues to push exemptions for Haredim from military service, even as Israeli reservists are burdened with hundreds of days on the battlefield, with no end in sight to the war.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces a series of mounting crises that each pose a real threat to his political survival:

• • Skyrocketing cost of living

• • Trump’s backchannel deal with Iran

• • Worsening economic pressures

• • The scandal known as “QatarGate”, which implicates Netanyahu’s office in illicit dealings

These converging crises have left Netanyahu in what Maariv calls a “final battle” for both his government and personal political future.

Collapse Is Inevitable

The visible signs of governmental breakdown may soon push Netanyahu toward stepping down entirely, possibly in exchange for a plea deal to avoid prosecution.

The article closes with an ominous warning:

“Trump will be the matchstick. The fire is already lit. And it’s about to engulf Netanyahu’s government.”