Israeli press - interesting af
Netanyahu’s quest for political survival isolates Israel despite security and diplomatic warnings
Analysis: Israel faces mounting isolation as Gaza operations strain peace accords, erode U.S. and European backing and fuel antisemitism abroad; critics warn prolonged conflict risks security, economy and the country’s global standing
In recent years, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has turned Israel’s foreign policy into a tool for his personal political survival, systematically ignoring warnings from senior security officials, cabinet ministers and even international allies.
While he continues to emphasize Israel’s economic strength and declares the country will withstand any boycott or sanctions, reality on the ground tells a troubling story: IDF operations in Gaza, lacking broad international backing, are driving Israel into unprecedented isolation.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, for example, warns at every opportunity of the heavy price Israel is paying internationally. But he is only one voice in a growing chorus of critics. Still, Netanyahu appears to listen only to his most hardline partners, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Fears of military rule in Gaza
The most striking example is the botched assassination attempt against Hamas leadership in Doha. Reliable reports revealed that top security officials, including Mossad chief David Barnea, strongly opposed the timing. They repeatedly warned of diplomatic risks and chain reactions that could damage Israel’s ties with Gulf states, which serve as key mediators in negotiations with Hamas. Netanyahu, however, focused only on his political survival, ignoring the warnings. The result has been growing tensions with Qatar and other states, making hostage negotiations increasingly difficult.
Even before the Doha operation, disagreements between Netanyahu and the defense establishment deepened over the decision to fully capture Gaza City. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir urged Netanyahu in a cabinet meeting to halt the offensive and pursue a deal. Zamir expressed fears of military rule in the Strip, supported by Sa’ar, Barnea and National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi, who themselves criticized Netanyahu.
Zamir presented Netanyahu with a detailed comparison of two options: siege and targeted raids in the city versus full occupation. He weighed risks to soldiers and hostages, humanitarian fallout, manpower limits and international legitimacy. In every parameter, Zamir’s plan outperformed full occupation — yet Netanyahu rejected it outright. “The chief of staff did everything to convince him otherwise, but made clear he would carry out the plan,” senior ministers said.
Smotrich: Turn Gaza into a ‘real estate bonanza’
The reason for Netanyahu’s dismissals is simple: he depends on Ben Gvir and Smotrich, who push for a hardline policy in Gaza and reject any compromise. For them, the war is an opportunity to expand Israeli territorial control. For Netanyahu, it is the way to preserve his coalition. As a result, Israel risks long-term damage.
Just Wednesday, Smotrich addressed the “day after” in Gaza, saying it should be turned into a “real estate bonanza.” Speaking at an urban renewal conference, he said he had already opened talks with the Americans on investing in reconstruction as real estate projects. “I’m not joking, it pays for itself,” he said.
Peace agreements at risk
Some of Israel’s most valuable assets are its peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, as well as the Abraham Accords with Gulf states. These are not just diplomatic deals but also a strategic safety net for intelligence, security and economic cooperation. The ongoing war in Gaza now puts them at risk. If suspended or canceled, it could take years to rebuild ties.
Already, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain — Abraham Accords signatories — are voicing growing discomfort with Israel’s actions. Public pressure in those states could force leaders to freeze relations. The UAE has warned Israel against annexing territory in the West Bank, saying it would harm the peace deal. Similar warnings have come from Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco.
https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/hkcddetiel