Israeli Society Is in a Deepening State of Contradiction
Introduction:
Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding a hostage deal and ceasefire. The sense of dread in Israel is all-consuming as they anxiously await a retaliatory attack from Iran and its allies. Israeli society is in a constant state of contradiction, with citizens disenchanted with the leadership but still supporting Netanyahu.
Israeli Society Gripped by Despair:
Israeli society is gripped by despair, unsure of how to find a way out of the current situation. Polls show that a majority of Israelis want Netanyahu to resign and blame him for the failure to protect Israelis. However, they also want a hostage deal, even if it means ending the war in Gaza. The contradictory feelings reflect the dysfunctional paralysis that has gripped Israeli politics.
Netanyahu’s Political Survival:
Netanyahu’s clear strategy is to survive in power at any cost. Top security officials have criticized him for not being committed to a hostage deal. Far-right ministers in his coalition reject a ceasefire, seeking to implement their vision of Jewish supremacy. Netanyahu’s popularity has increased due to the dysfunctional state of Israeli politics rather than his own achievements.
Israeli Society’s Inability to Force Change:
Israeli society is unable to force political change due to several reasons. Israel’s defiance of international opinion and law in the occupied territories has created a culture of lawlessness and impunity. The right-wing’s dominance of the media and demonization of Palestinians and dissenting Israelis has created a vacuum in politics and civil society. The society’s reliance on the military for stability and control has made compromise and diplomacy appear weak.
Israel’s Military Approach:
Israel’s military and strategic approach has not adapted to fighting nonstate armed groups. The effort to maintain mutual deterrence with Hezbollah and “mow the grass” in Gaza is no longer working. Israeli military experts believe a larger war is inevitable and that Israel needs to strike a decisive blow. However, Israel cannot rely solely on hard power and must embrace non-military channels of diplomacy and compromise.
Israel’s Precarious National Security:
Israel is facing its most precarious moment in national security since its founding. Confidence in political and military leaders is at an all-time low. The question is whether Israelis will challenge the assumptions that have guided their security for decades. Iran has indicated a willingness to delay retaliation if a ceasefire is reached in Gaza, but it remains uncertain if Israeli leadership will pursue this path.
Conclusion:
Israeli society is caught in a deepening state of contradiction, with citizens disenchanted with the leadership but still supporting Netanyahu. The society’s inability to force political change is due to a culture of lawlessness, media dominance by the right-wing, and a reliance on the military. Israel must embrace non-military channels of diplomacy and compromise to create a secure place for itself. The hope lies in international pressure and the willingness of key actors like the U.S. and Iran to prevent further escalation.
