Insights reveal a complex web of decisions aimed at prolonging the conflict and securing political power.
**Behind the Curtain: Netanyahu’s War Strategy and Political Survival**
**Behind the Curtain: Netanyahu’s War Strategy and Political Survival**
An in-depth investigation into how Prime Minister Netanyahu navigated the crisis post-October 7 attack.
When Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu found his political career hanging by a thread. Fast forward nearly two years, and amid the unending Gaza war, his position has paradoxically strengthened. A six-month investigation reveals the intricate maneuvering and pivotal choices that allowed Netanyahu not only to survive a political storm but to emerge with unprecedented domestic authority.
Our investigative team, comprising Patrick Kingsley, Ronen Bergman, and Natan Odenheimer, meticulously sifted through interviews with over 110 officials spanning Israel, the U.S., and the Arab world, as well as examining a slew of documents, including meeting records and operations directives. This deep dive sheds light on how Netanyahu’s policies, initially seen as vulnerabilities, became tools for asserting control over a prolonged conflict.
Key insights include Netanyahu's dismissal of multiple warnings regarding potential attacks on Israel before October, which alarmingly foreshadowed the October strike. While convalescing in a hospital in July 2023, he received distressing intelligence reports highlighting Israeli vulnerabilities due to rising domestic unrest. Ignoring the advice, he intensified political upheavals which ultimately set the stage for Hamas’s offensive.
Furthermore, as the attack unfolded, Netanyahu quickly shifted blame onto military and intelligence leaders, deflecting personal accountability. This strategy played a crucial role in sustaining his political narrative amidst the turmoil.
The investigation also underscores how the extended war not only enabled Israel to confront threats from Hezbollah and Iran but also conjured a grim reality for Palestinians, deepening the humanitarian crisis and prolonging the suffering of hostages. By strategically prolonging the engagement in Gaza, Netanyahu was able to evade political consequences, reinforcing a narrative of strength in a time of national emergency.
This analysis highlights the vital lessons learned from Netanyahu's tactics—illustrating how turmoil, manipulation, and unexpected war dynamics can converge to alter the landscape of political power in times of conflict.
