Netanyahu’s Gaza Policy Deepens Israeli Crisis

Gaza Conflict Escalates as Negotiations stall, War Expansion Looms

JERUSALEM – Tensions are soaring in the Israel-Gaza conflict as ground operation discussions intensify, even as diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages falter. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports 135 new fatalities in the last 24 hours, adding to the mounting civilian toll.

A deep divide is emerging within the Israeli government. While Minister Sa’ar continues to favor a strategy of attrition and continued negotiation, hardline ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir are pushing for a full occupation of Gaza, envisioning a “single land of Israel.”

Despite the apparent momentum towards a wider ground offensive, a high-ranking Israeli official cautioned that the situation remains fluid, hinting at a potential intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump with a “great humanitarian plan.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office maintains that hostage negotiations have reached a standstill, with concerns growing for the well-being of those held captive. Hamas, according to Channel 12’s Ehud yaari, is demanding not only the release of 300 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis, but also the release of the 55 Nukhba operatives involved in the October 7th massacre – a demand Israel deems unacceptable.

Furthermore, Hamas is refusing to agree to demilitarization or relinquish control of Gaza.

The situation remains critically unstable, with the possibility of war expansion appearing increasingly likely, though subject to rapid shifts in regional dynamics.

(Source: ansa agency – ‘Netanyahu will convene the cabinet on Gaza thursday – Liveblog – News – Ansa.it’)

© Copyright Ansa – Reserved reproduction.

How does Netanyahu’s focus on Iran potentially detract from addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The Escalating Domestic Fallout

Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza conflict, and broader policies towards Palestinians, is increasingly recognized as a key driver of a multifaceted crisis within Israel. This isn’t solely about military operations; it’s a deeply interwoven web of political instability, economic strain, and social division. The recent claim of a “historic victory” – as reported by The Times of Israel on August 6, 2025, referencing Netanyahu’s assertion about dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme – rings hollow for many Israelis grappling with the consequences of ongoing conflict and internal strife. This perceived disconnect between leadership rhetoric and lived reality fuels public discontent.

Political Paralysis and Coalition Fragility

Judicial Overhaul: the attempted judicial overhaul, a central plank of Netanyahu’s agenda, sparked massive protests throughout 2023 and 2024. While seemingly unrelated to Gaza, the controversy considerably weakened public trust in the government and exacerbated existing political fractures.

Coalition Dynamics: Netanyahu’s reliance on far-right and ultra-Orthodox coalition partners has constrained his ability to forge consensus and respond effectively to the evolving situation in Gaza. Thes partners ofen prioritize settlement expansion and uncompromising stances towards Palestinians, hindering potential diplomatic solutions.

Calls for Early Elections: Mounting public pressure and internal dissent within the Likud party have led to increasing calls for early elections. However, Netanyahu has resisted, fearing a loss of power and potential legal repercussions. The political deadlock contributes to a sense of instability and uncertainty.

Economic Repercussions of the Gaza Conflict

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has imposed a notable economic burden on Israel.Beyond the direct costs of military operations, the disruption to daily life and the decline in tourism have had a significant impact.

Impact on Key Sectors

Tourism: The tourism sector, a vital component of the Israeli economy, has suffered dramatically. Travel warnings and security concerns have deterred visitors, leading to significant revenue losses for hotels, restaurants, and related businesses.

Agriculture: Communities near the Gaza border have been notably affected, with agricultural land rendered unusable due to rocket fire and security restrictions. This has led to crop failures and economic hardship for farmers.

Labor Market: The mobilization of reservists and the disruption to economic activity have impacted the labor market, leading to job losses and reduced productivity.

Defense Spending: Increased defense spending diverts resources from other crucial areas, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.This long-term impact on social programs is a growing concern.

Social divisions and Internal Displacement

The Gaza policy has deepened existing social divisions within Israel, particularly between secular and religious Jews, and between Jewish Israelis and Arab citizens of Israel. The conflict has also led to significant internal displacement.

Rising Tensions and Discrimination

Arab-Jewish Relations: The conflict has exacerbated tensions between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel, with reports of increased hate speech and violence. Concerns about discrimination and unequal treatment remain prevalent.

Internal Displacement: Thousands of Israelis have been displaced from communities near the Gaza border due to ongoing security threats. The long-term implications of this displacement, including housing shortages and social integration challenges, are significant.

protest Movements: The anti-judicial overhaul protests, coupled with opposition to the Gaza policy, have created a vibrant and diverse protest movement demanding political and social change. These movements represent a significant challenge to the status quo.

International Isolation and Legal Scrutiny

Israel’s policies towards Palestinians,particularly in Gaza,have drawn increasing international criticism and legal scrutiny.

ICC Examination and Global Condemnation

International Criminal Court (ICC): The ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed in the Palestinian territories continues to pose a legal challenge for Israeli officials.

UN Resolutions: Numerous UN resolutions have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling for an end to the occupation and respect for international law.

Diplomatic Pressure: Growing diplomatic pressure from key allies, including the United States, has prompted calls for restraint and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution. The US rebuke of recent strikes, as noted in The Times of Israel report, highlights this shift.

Boycott, divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement: The BDS movement continues to gain momentum, advocating for economic and political pressure on Israel to comply with international law.

The Role of Iranian Nuclear Program & Regional Implications

Netanyahu’s focus on the Iranian nuclear program, while a long-standing concern, is increasingly viewed as a distraction from the immediate challenges facing Israel. The claim of having “sent Iran’s nuclear program down the drain” (as reported August 6, 2025) is met with skepticism by many analysts.

Diversion of Resources: The emphasis on Iran diverts attention and resources from addressing the root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Regional Instability: The escalating tensions with Iran contribute to regional instability, creating a more volatile security habitat for Israel.

* Impact on Arab Normalization: The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the hardline policies towards Palestinians hinder efforts to normalize relations with Arab states.

Benefits of Addressing the Crisis

A shift towards a more inclusive and sustainable