Netanyahu's Strategy on Iran Elevates His Position Amid Gaza Stalemate

In a significant shift in the Israeli political arena, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pursuing a hardline strategy in Gaza while simultaneously ramping up military actions against Iran. For 18 months, his government has faced immense pressure not to end the war in Gaza, fearing that a truce would lead to a coalition collapse and an unflattering return in early elections. However, recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, along with bolstered U.S. support, have repositioned Netanyahu as a strengthened leader.

This military campaign has resonated well with the Israeli populace, pushing Netanyahu’s approval ratings to heights not seen since the inception of the Gaza war in October 2023. Political analysts mark this as a pivotal moment, suggesting that the embattled prime minister now feels empowered enough to negotiate peace in Gaza without fearing the instability of his coalition. "He’s at the strongest he’s been for years," remarked Mitchell Barak, a former advisor to Netanyahu, emphasizing that such strength can facilitate ending the conflict.

Despite this newfound confidence, Netanyahu has yet to signal a willingness to alter his position on Gaza. For months, he has remained adamant that Hamas must first surrender and its leaders be displaced, conditions that the group has flatly rejected. In a statement, Netanyahu's office reiterated that the onus to end the conflict lies solely with Hamas, which must release hostages and relinquish control of Gaza. Meanwhile, public sentiment continues to clash with his unwavering stance, seen in demonstrations in Tel Aviv urging for the return of hostages captured during the ongoing conflict.

As the political landscape evolves, Netanyahu navigates a complex balance between his military ambitions against Iran and the pressing need for resolution in Gaza, leaving Israelis eager to see how this tension unfolds in the coming weeks.