Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself under intense pressure due to the latest Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu has been pressured by hostage issue families and members of his cabinet as the conflict enters its fourth week.
The stalemate between the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, has led to increasing anger among the families of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, as well as from other civilians living in the Gaza Strip. They want the government to take action to investigate the circumstances surrounding the capture of their relatives and to negotiate for their release.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has been facing increasing criticism from within his own cabinet, with members of Likud, his party, calling for more decisive action to end the conflict. This has made the situation increasingly difficult for Netanyahu, who has repeatedly outlined his policy of putting Israel’s security first, while also being mindful of the interests of the citizens of Gaza.
Amid this pressure, Netanyahu has sought to de-escalate the violence. He has insisted on a humanitarian ceasefire, and has called for international support. Moreover, he has rejected calls for a ground invasion of Gaza, calling it an “unacceptable risk” to Israeli lives.
Furthermore, Netanyahu has called for a “balanced approach” to tackle the root of the conflict, which has largely been the collective punishment by Israel of the population of Gaza through the blockade of the strip. This has been the main cause of the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Gaza that, in turn, has led to the escalation of violence.
Despite Netanyahu’s efforts, the clashes in the Gaza Strip continue, without resolution in sight. Therefore, Netanyahu finds himself under increasing pressure from the families of the hostages, from his cabinet, and from the international community. He is now in a precarious position, where he must juggle the need for security and the need to keep Israel’s international image intact.