A stalemate for Netanyahu: why Israel will continue to be accused of war crimes

Netanyahu probably chose the lesser evil / Collage 24 Channel

In the war with Hamas, Israel finds itself in a difficult situation, because the IDF is now fighting near two hospitals in the Gaza Strip. It is under them that Hamas bases are located. However, Benjamin Netanyahu is escalating the situation by declaring that the IDF will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip.

Political scientist Igor Reiterovich told Channel 24 the two main reasons for such statements by the Israeli Prime Minister. One is foreign policy, and the second concerns his future political fate.

First reason: the lesser evil option

Netanyahu likely has different scenarios for the development of military operations in the Gaza Strip. Other options could lead to an even longer and bloodier war than the current one.

Therefore, he chose the optimal plan, the option of the lesser evil. However, there is no ideal solution to the Middle East problem today. They have been trying to solve it since the middle of the 20th century and, by and large, to no avail. Therefore, it is possible that Netanyahu will implement the scenario to which he has the consent of, in particular, the government of national unity,” the political scientist emphasized.

The United States and other countries may advise Israel to come differently, but it will put the squeeze on precisely this aggressive initiative. According to Israeli politicians, this may be the only possible option.

A political scientist has suggested the motives for Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip: watch the video

Second reason: awareness of responsibility

Netanyahu, aggravating the escalation, pushing the situation, including with hospitals in Gaza, to the end, found himself in stalemate circumstances.

No matter what Israel does in the Gaza Strip, it will still be accused of war crimes. It will be very difficult to interrupt this opinion with information,” noted Reiterovich.

The Israeli Prime Minister has no choice but to intensify this escalation, since his political survival is at stake. He is aware that he will have to respond politically, and perhaps not only politically.

Israel is one of the few democratic countries in the world in which former officials regularly end up on trial. In particular, criminal cases are being initiated against them.

Netanyahu is now in a situation where he will be held accountable for his actions. Perhaps in his mind, the harsher Israel's retaliation for the Hamas attack on October 7, the easier it will probably be for him to explain what happened later.

The prime minister may also believe that this will influence decisions that will be made regarding him in the future.

It can be assumed that if a temporary Israeli administration is installed in the Gaza Strip, the country may live under martial law for quite a long time. And this will allow Netanyahu to remain in power for some time. Then, perhaps, he will be able to turn the situation in his favor and even avoid at least political responsibility for what happened on October 7,” Igor Reiterovich emphasized.

The political scientist added that he would not like to believe in this version, because it is very cynical, but one must understand that politicians sometimes think in slightly different categories.

The war between Israel and Hamas: in brief

• Fighting in the Gaza Strip is taking place near the Al-Shifa hospital, which houses at least 2,300 people. 600 to 650 patients, 200 to 500 employees and about 1,500 local residents hiding there are trapped inside the medical facility.
• At the same time, Israel believes that Hamas militants are located in a bunker located under the hospital building, and they are using patients as cover.
• Also, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said that Hamas has completely lost control of Gaza. He added that “terrorists are fleeing to the south” and the civilian population has no faith in the government and is looting Hamas bases. At the same time, the IDF continues to push Hamas fighters out of the tunnels where they are hiding.