(Opinion) For years, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rebounded from political threats, often at a significant cost, leaving many wondering about his future.
But the tragic events of October 7th could mark the beginning of his end. Just a month ago, Netanyahu was already on shaky ground.
Nationwide protests erupted against his proposal to shift the balance between the branches of government, effectively neutering the judiciary.
Remember, hundreds of thousands protested in a country of fewer than ten million people. Why propose such a reform?
Netanyahu feels persecuted by the courts.
He’s facing corruption charges and influence peddling, which explains his desperation to stay in power.
Even if it means forming the most nationalist and religious coalition in Israel’s history. Then came the Hamas attacks on October 7th. Where was the government?
Netanyahu took four hours to respond, and some citizens waited up to twenty hours for aid against the attackers.
As the head of government, he must be held accountable. Recent polls suggest that 55% of Israelis believe he should resign immediately.
This rose to 66% after a massacre later that month.
The delay in forming a unity government with opposition leader Benny Gantz drew further criticism.
Also, 64% of Israelis now favor elections after the war. Surveys also indicate that 66% believe Netanyahu avoids responsibility for the massacre.
Another poll shows 59% feel he’s more concerned about his personal future than the country’s well-being.
Adding insult to injury, Netanyahu tried to shift blame onto Israel’s intelligence agencies.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid quickly countered this, revealing that he too had prior warnings. Netanyahu backpedaled but the damage was done.
Why isn’t Netanyahu owning up?
He’s preoccupied with keeping his job amid his legal woes. All while Israeli citizens are conscripted into the army, but not his son, safely in Miami Beach.
October 2023 could well be the start of the end for Netanyahu. His mantra of being the protector of Israel’s security seems discarded now.
If this isn’t a wake-up call for Israel to reconsider its leadership, what will be?