Netanyahu’s Strategic Position Amid U.S. Political Changes and Gaza Conflict

Netanyahu’s Stance Amid Changing Political Landscape

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is not expected to make significant alterations to his strategy regarding the ongoing Gaza conflict, even in light of President Biden’s decision to step aside from the political race. Analysts suggest that while Netanyahu may privately welcome the prospect of a new administration, he is still bound to navigate the complexities of U.S.-Israeli relations over the next several months.

Although a potential return of a Trump administration could grant Netanyahu greater latitude in his military operations in Gaza, the prime minister must continue to cooperate with Biden, who will remain in office for at least six more months. This situation leaves Netanyahu with limited immediate options for altering his approach, as the Biden administration controls critical aspects of U.S. support for Israel.

Until January, President Biden will oversee the supply of U.S. munitions to Israel and dictate the level of American diplomatic backing at the United Nations, a time when global scrutiny of Israel’s actions has reached unprecedented levels. “Netanyahu undoubtedly gains from a politically weakened Biden, who faces criticism from the Israeli right for allegedly restraining Israel’s military actions,” stated Mazal Mualem, an Israeli political commentator and biographer of Netanyahu. “However, Biden is still the president, and Netanyahu cannot afford to ignore him.”

The relationship between Netanyahu and the Biden administration has faced challenges, particularly over key issues such as the intensity of Israel’s bombardment in Gaza, the logistics of delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and the absence of a definitive strategy for the governance of Gaza post-conflict. Under U.S. pressure, Israel has moderated its military campaign in Gaza since January and has so far refrained from initiating a ground invasion along its border with Lebanon. This restraint comes as Israel has been engaged in protracted missile exchanges with Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia closely allied with Hamas.

A recent scene of devastation in Gaza highlights the ongoing conflict: a destroyed building near Deir al-Balah serves as a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.