Desperation, Destruction, and Division:
What Netanyahu’s Poll Rebound Means for the Trajectory of the War
Graphic by Kayla Giset.
On October 7, 2023, the people of Israel were left at a crossroads. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister and leader of the Likud party, was once revered as a charismatic, bully pulpit-esque authority figure, even being coined “Mr. Security” by foreign diplomats. However, after the tragedy that occurred on the Gaza strip left 1,200 Israelis dead in the hands of Hamas, the right-winged politician’s military decisions have been scrutinized by Israeli citizens and international media alike. How could a terrorist group that had been flying under the radar infiltrate one of the world’s most advanced intelligence networks within hours– and more imminently, why did Netanyahu let it happen? As the polls continue to fluctuate, so do the priorities of the Israeli people. Now, the question arises as to whether or not they should restore their trust in the prime minister for the sake of ending, or at least putting a patch on, the war; and recent polls speak for themselves.
Political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin found that Netanyahu’s recent rebound in the polls is likely due to his regional military offensive efforts. After initiating a limited ground operation in Lebanon, killing several leaders of the Hezbollah, Netanyahu was found to be the favorite candidate for prime minister over his centrist opposition leader, Yair Lapid, with a staggering 38% favoring him over a mere 27%. Coalitions amongst parties within the circuit have also strengthened the Likud party’s legitimacy toward the next election.
Despite this boost in support amongst voters, hostility toward the current prime minister still stands, as he failed to compromise a truce with Hamas that would release the hostages trapped in the Gaza border. Additionally, many Israelis believe that Netanyahu’s promises of “total victory and peace” are geared toward his political success rather than public interest. This extends even further on the international stage with Netanyahu’s confrontational approach to resolution raising ethical concerns amongst members of the U.N.
The future is uncertain for Netanyahu’s political standing as he continues to develop defense strategies post-Hezbollah attacks. In terms of the upcoming referendum, however, his objective is clearer than ever. He does not have to win the election in the eyes of the people; the candidacies are so spread out amongst party divisions— the extremists, the Orthodoxes, the left-wing— that he just needs to secure enough support from the moderates to stay in power by default. A nation divided has no choice but to settle in times of desperation and destruction.