Even while shuttling between the courtroom and the hospital’s operating room, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clings tightly to power. He remains steadfast in his political strategy, the same plan that returned him to the Prime Minister’s Office, proving to Israelis his relentless pursuit to stay in office at all costs, even at their expense, despite increasing discussions about setting a date for the next elections.
Yaron Avraham, a political correspondent for Channel 12, stated:
“The pressing question Israelis repeatedly ask is how Netanyahu remains at the helm despite the catastrophic failure to prevent Hamas’ attack on October 7, the abduction of over 250 Israelis, and the ongoing war that claims more Israeli lives daily. On top of this, he is entangled in a criminal trial, yet continues to lead after orchestrating the gravest disaster to befall the Jewish people.”
In an article, Avraham adds:
“Netanyahu’s strategy since his government’s downfall in 2021 remains unchanged. It is his modus operandi—a way of life. When analyzed closely, it becomes clear how he returned from the brink after the October 7 attack. While he initially appeared bowed, defeated, and fearful of a looming Armageddon, his tactical maneuvering demonstrates otherwise.”
The author notes:
“At the onset of the Gaza war, Netanyahu urgently needed a protective shield. He brought Benny Gantz and Gadi Eizenkot into his team, only to later orchestrate their removal. His methods included delegitimizing the army and Shin Bet leaders, accusing them implicitly of dereliction of duty. His narrative insinuated, ‘If only I had been alerted earlier, everything would have been different.’ Over the past 14 months, he has waged relentless political battles with those around him to ensure his survival.”
Avraham highlights how Netanyahu has benefited from the opposition’s ineffectiveness:
“The opposition has failed miserably. Although staying in opposition might have been the right move, their inability to present a united or effective front allowed Netanyahu to continue his agenda.”
Moreover, he explains:
“The supposed unity with Netanyahu is a charade. In practice, both strategies—the opposition’s and that of his internal dissenters, such as the ousted Defense Minister Yoav Gallant—have collapsed. Gallant resigned from the Knesset, while Netanyahu continues executing his primary plan, ready to sacrifice anything and employ destructive tactics to stay in power.”
He elaborates:
“More than a year after Hamas’ attack on October 7, Netanyahu finds himself in a stronger position. He expanded his coalition to 68 seats, replacing the ‘rebellious’ Gallant with the more loyal Israel Katz. The threats against him no longer pose a real challenge. Netanyahu might resort to any outlandish scenario to secure his position. While his right-wing coalition faces minor disputes, the strategic unity within his bloc remains intact, as all partners share a vested interest in cohesion.”
The report concludes:
“Netanyahu understands that despite their objections to the draft law, the ultra-Orthodox parties have no alternative but to support him. Similarly, Itamar Ben-Gvir is unlikely to abandon his comfortable position. Confident in his control, Netanyahu seems poised to secure government approval for his exchange deal. By the beginning of 2025, it has become evident that Netanyahu remains the dominant figure in Israeli politics and is likely to continue until the scheduled election date of October 27, 2026.”
