Netanyahu's Missed Opportunity to Halt the Gaza War
In June 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to have solidified his political standing following a significant military victory over Iran. The triumph elevated his stature both domestically and abroad, seemingly providing him the leverage to press for a truce in the protracted Gaza conflict. Yet, six weeks on, the window to broker a meaningful ceasefire has effectively closed, as talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, plunging the situation back toward the deadlock seen nearly two years prior.
The Stalemate in Gaza Talks: A Recurring Pattern
The current diplomatic impasse echoes the failed efforts from 19 months ago, when mediators sought a comprehensive agreement that never materialized. Both sides, Hamas and the Israeli government under Netanyahu, have hardened their positions, unwilling to accept the compromises necessary to secure peace.
Oren Setter, a former Israeli negotiation team member, encapsulated the bleak reality in Yediot Ahronot, asserting, "As long as this government remains unchanged, a comprehensive agreement is out of reach." This sentiment resonates broadly across the Israeli political landscape, reflecting deep divisions not just in government but among the Israeli public and media.
International Backlash and Eroding Alliances
The ongoing conflict and Israel’s prolonged blockade of Gaza have precipitated a humanitarian crisis, drawing sharp criticism from international aid agencies and world governments. Several historic allies of Israel have either severed ties or threatened diplomatic actions, underscoring Israel’s growing isolation amid the conflict.
In the United States, usually a staunch supporter, momentum is shifting. For instance, most Democratic senators recently opposed certain arms sales to Israel, and outspoken voices like Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have gone as far as labeling Israel’s actions as genocide—a charge vehemently denied by Israeli officials.
Domestic Strains: Military Fatigue and Social Unrest
Inside Israel, the protracted war is inducing profound social and military stress. The sustained conflict is currently the country’s longest high-intensity military engagement, placing unprecedented pressure on reserve soldiers who juggle civilian life and frontline duties. Rising suicide rates among reservists have prompted the military to establish a committee dedicated to improving post-service care and mental health support.
Michael Koplow, a policy analyst with the Israel Policy Forum, outlined the cascading crises: "Israel is confronting a societal crisis over the ongoing war and hostage situation, a military crisis marked by unclear objectives and reservist exhaustion, a diplomatic crisis as key allies reconsider their support, and an existential crisis regarding its standing with the US."
Trump’s Role and Lost Diplomatic Leverage
Former President Donald Trump’s involvement during the Iran conflict yielded symbolic victories for Netanyahu. Analysts had anticipated that Trump would leverage this to push for an end to the Gaza war. Instead, Netanyahu managed to persuade Trump to grant more time, allowing the war to drag on without resolution.
Daniel Shapiro, ex-US ambassador to Israel, noted, "Trump had every opportunity to urge swift peace but deferred, contributing to the stagnant status quo we see today."
Humanitarian Toll on Gaza
The consequences of delayed peace efforts have been devastating for Gaza’s civilian population. Despite recent Israeli decisions to allow increased food aid, persistent blockades, and military actions continue to restrict access to essentials, forcing desperate Palestinians to risk dangerous crossings and loot aid convoys to survive. Health authorities in Gaza report critical shortages, with malnutrition and distress escalating.
Rising Calls for Peace from Within Israel
A wave of discontent is emerging among Israelis concerned by the toll of the war—both for the hostages held by Hamas and for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. A group of former top security officials, including former heads of the Shin Bet and Mossad intelligence agencies, publicly urged an end to the conflict. Their message was clear: while the war began defensively after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, it has devolved into an endless, damaging conflict threatening Israel’s security and identity.
Yet Netanyahu maintains that the war’s objectives—namely, the dismantling of Hamas and the return of the 20 remaining hostages—have not been achieved. The Israeli leader remains steadfast, declaring, "We will not be broken," and emphasizing a continued commitment to military action and hostage rescue.
Political Calculus and Internal Divisions
Critics argue that despite Hamas’s severe weakening and leadership losses, Netanyahu's reluctance to end hostilities stems from political expediency—preserving his far-right coalition that supports annexation ambitions and demographic shifts in Gaza. Such stances complicate potential peace negotiations, prolonging the suffering.
The strain on Israel’s military reservists—central to its defense apparatus—is compounded by controversial government policies, including moves to extend military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, whose political leaders are Netanyahu’s key supporters. This fuels tensions between military necessity and political loyalty.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s ongoing efforts to overhaul Israel’s judicial system and dismiss the attorney-general overseeing his corruption case have drawn criticism that his priorities favor personal and political survival over national unity and strategic long-term interests.
Looking Forward: Critical Questions Remain
- Can Israel’s political leadership bridge deep factional divides to pursue an effective peace strategy?
- What role will international partners, particularly the US and European allies, play in reviving or reshaping diplomatic efforts?
- How might the humanitarian crisis in Gaza influence public opinion and policy decisions within Israel?
- What are the long-term implications for Israeli security, regional stability, and the lives of hostages held in Gaza?
Editor's Note
Benjamin Netanyahu’s failure to capitalize on his post-Iran victory moment reflects the complex interplay of political calculation, military realities, and international dynamics that shape the Israeli-Palestinian conflict today. The prolonged Gaza war underscores the risks of entrenched positions and missed diplomatic windows. As societal and diplomatic pressures mount, a reassessment of priorities may become imperative—not only for Israel’s future stability but for the countless civilians caught in the crossfire.
This analysis invites readers to consider whether political leadership can transcend coalition constraints and personal interests to pursue lasting peace, and how global actors might influence outcomes in one of the world’s most stubborn conflicts.
