Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his opposition to Palestinian statehood, further widening the gap with key international allies. This stance, asserted during a time of wartime "unity" government, has led to visible cracks within Israel's political landscape.
Public discontent with Netanyahu is growing, evident in protests across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesarea, and Kfar Saba. Demonstrators express demands for more decisive actions to secure hostage release and some call for the prime minister's resignation. One protester's sign in Jerusalem reads, "Mothers' cry: we will not sacrifice our children in the war to save the rightwing."
Over the weekend, Netanyahu engaged in a public dispute, indirectly, with US President Joe Biden. Netanyahu's spokesperson claimed that during a phone call with Biden, the Israeli leader emphasized that Israel's security needs leave no room for a sovereign Palestinian state. This statement contradicted Biden's earlier assertion that a conversation with Netanyahu left him confident in the feasibility of an independent Palestine while Netanyahu is in power.
Netanyahu, in a press conference, outlined his post-war vision, insisting on Israel retaining security control over Gaza even after eliminating Hamas. This condition clashes with the principle of Palestinian sovereignty. The rift with Biden and the rejection of a two-state solution drew criticism from the UK, with shadow foreign secretary David Lammy condemning Netanyahu's stance.
Critics argue that Netanyahu's refusal of a Palestinian state serves as a distraction from domestic tensions surrounding the limited achievements in the Gaza campaign, the plight of hostages, and the absence of a long-term governance plan for the enclave. Despite over three months of conflict, significant challenges persist, including a lack of progress in capturing or eliminating Hamas leaders within Gaza.
While public support for the war remains broad, frustration with Netanyahu's leadership is mounting. The unity government faces potential fractures as investigations into military and security failures loom, coupled with ongoing corruption cases against Netanyahu. The political landscape is unpredictable, with the possibility of elections this year and questions about the unity government's sustainability.