Benjamin Netanyahu: A Master of Political Survival

In his pursuit of becoming Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has ingeniously utilized a key asset—an ineffective opposition. By playing his political rivals against one another, he has managed to navigate through crises while they remain fragmented and powerless.

Netanyahu’s Resilience Amidst Scandals

Netanyahu has proven remarkably resilient amid multiple corruption cases and an ongoing criminal trial. His tenacity was particularly evident after the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, leading to a catastrophic conflict—one of the deadliest ever in the Arab-Israeli saga. Despite the turmoil, Netanyahu’s political stature has only solidified, allowing him to expand his governing coalition while evading blame for the ensuing disaster.

A Divided Opposition

The current political landscape in Israel showcases a glaring contradiction within its opposition. While Netanyahu’s base is united around a singular ideology—emphasizing Jewish rights and the establishment of a Greater Israel—his adversaries are embroiled in a tangle of conflicting aspirations. There are right-wing factions that resonate with his nationalist policies yet sour on his leadership, centrist and leftist groups dreaming of a liberal and secular society, and Arab representatives advocating for equal citizenship.

The Failed Change Coalition

During the 2021 elections, Netanyahu’s opponents, including right-leaning and left-leaning parties, attempted to unseat him by forming a “change coalition.” This coalition also included an Arab party—the first of its kind in Israel’s political history. However, the coalition’s unity was superficial, masking deep ideological divides over critical issues like the Palestinian question and the influence of religion in public life. Their unwillingness to confront these contentious topics ultimately led to the coalition’s collapse, setting the stage for yet another election cycle.

Netanyahu’s Strategic Maneuvering

Following the coalition’s downfall, Netanyahu expertly capitalized on the disarray among his rivals. While they became increasingly fragmented during the election campaigns, he focused on consolidating votes on the right, culminating in a decisive win for the Netanyahu bloc, composed of his Likud party alongside far-right and ultra-Orthodox allies.

Once reinstated as prime minister, Netanyahu wasted no time—he initiated sweeping changes aimed at diminishing the judiciary’s power and fortifying his own authority. His initial response to the Hamas attack was one of disbelief, yet he quickly regained political composure. He strategically undermined his chief opposition party by making ministerial appointments that catered to rivals, thereby expanding his coalition’s majority.

A War Policy with Public Support

Netanyahu’s war policies have garnered overwhelming support among Israel’s Jewish majority. Ultra-nationalistic sentiments advocating for aggressive military action have entered the mainstream discourse, overshadowing concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Family members of hostages held by Hamas have emerged as central figures, while the formal opposition has been largely sidelined.

Internal Dissent and Growing Alternatives

Despite the apparent consolidation of power, a simmering discontent exists even within Netanyahu’s coalition, primarily over issues such as the ultra-Orthodox community’s exemption from military service. The need for additional conscripts in a prolonged military conflict has magnified this rift, as many see the exemptions as a blatant injustice.

Rising Stars of the Opposition

Hope for the opposition is expressed through emerging leaders like Naftali Bennett, who has positioned himself as a right-leaning alternative catering to disenchanted Netanyahu supporters. With his declaration to establish a coalition without an Arab party, he aims to align himself with the sentiment on the right.

Conversely, Yair Golan, a former IDF general and current leader of the Democrats party, appeals to the Zionist left. He advocates for a two-state solution and has shown willingness to collaborate with Arab parties. His rise signals a potential realignment of Israeli politics, emphasizing a desire for peace amidst ongoing conflict.

The Influence of External Forces

Interestingly, amidst these ideological struggles, an unexpected ally has surfaced for the anti-Netanyahu sentiment—Donald Trump. The former U.S. president, once closely aligned with Netanyahu, has recently positioned himself as a regional peacemaker, actively engaging with traditional adversaries of Israel. This shift introduces a new dynamic, potentially distancing Netanyahu from the international support he once enjoyed.

Conclusion

As Netanyahu navigates through this complex and tumultuous political landscape, the future remains uncertain. The pressing question is whether a coalition collapse or a new wave of leadership will finally challenge his longstanding grip on power. The Israeli political arena is ripe for transformation, but its trajectory will depend on how effectively its fractured opposition can seize the moment.