New tensions with the White House. New tensions with the army. New tensions with the hostages’ families. And even within his government. Benjamin Netanyahu’s political life is becoming increasingly difficult. The White House defined as “disappointing, offensive, irritating and false” the accusations launched by the Israeli prime minister against the United States last week, in a video message in English in which the prime minister harshly criticized Washington, calling it “inconceivable” that in recent months the The American administration had withheld weapons and ammunition destined for Israel. “No other country is doing more than us,” explained John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, after the US canceled a meeting on Iran scheduled for yesterday with Israel.
The American response comes as new protests are underway in the country, with demonstrators returning to the streets for the fifth day in a row, yet another since the start of the war, to demand a deal on the hostages. According to the Wall Street Jorunal, there could now be only 50 abductees still alive out of a total of 116 prisoners held by Hamas and in the Gaza Strip. The figure is the result of a combined estimate of data from American and Israeli intelligence services and was passed to the newspaper by US officials. There are good reasons to be “extremely concerned,” given that “it seems that every week more and more hostages are dying or becoming seriously ill,” explained the head of the Hostage Family Forum’s medical team, Hagai Levine.
The prime minister’s strategy has also been questioned again by the army, with which tensions are now skyrocketing. “The goal of eradicating Hamas is unattainable,” was the analysis of IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. «Hamas is an idea. Those who think that it can be made disappear are wrong”, added Hagari, explaining that anyone who promises it – read the Israeli prime minister – “misleads the public. It’s like throwing sand in people’s eyes.” The reply from “Bibi” (the prime minister) was immediate and blunt, reiterating one of the objectives of his political and security cabinet: the destruction of Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities.”
In the end, the prime minister also had to criticize his government allies yesterday, urging them to “calm down” and stop the “useless political squabbles”, to be “up to the occasion”, remaining “united” and “focused on the tasks”: “This is no time for petty politics,” the prime minister said. After the departure of centrist Benny Gantz from the War Cabinet, which forced the Prime Minister to dismantle him, Netanyahu must in fact deal with the far right of ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir.
The latter, leader of Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Force), was yesterday accused by Likud, the prime minister’s party, of having disclosed “state secrets” after the news circulated that Netanyahu had offered to share sensitive security briefings , in exchange for support for the controversial bill on the appointment of municipal rabbis.
