Israelis' Support for Netanyahu Remains Divided After Two Years of War
TEL AVIV, Israel - As the two-year anniversary of the Gaza war approaches, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity remains a subject of debate. Despite facing mass protests and a corruption trial before the October 7 attacks, Netanyahu is still in power.
According to recent polls, Netanyahu's Likud party has maintained its lead in opinion surveys, but his personal approval ratings have declined significantly since the start of the war. A survey conducted by the Israel Democracy Institute found that only 34% of Israelis believe Netanyahu is doing a good job as prime minister, down from 45% in 2022.
"It's not about supporting or opposing him; it's about what he does next," said Dr. Dahlia Scheindlin, a senior fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute. "Netanyahu has managed to maintain his grip on power, but that doesn't necessarily mean Israelis support him."
Before the war, Netanyahu was facing intense criticism from both within and outside his party over issues such as corruption allegations, economic policies, and handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The October 7 attacks by Hamas militants have shifted public attention to security concerns.
"Netanyahu has managed to shift the narrative from domestic issues to national security," said Dr. Yossi Klein Halevi, a senior fellow at the Shalem Center for Strategic Studies. "However, this doesn't necessarily mean Israelis are more supportive of his leadership."
The global context of the conflict has also contributed to Netanyahu's continued support. The United States and other Western countries have maintained their backing for Israel, despite criticism from some quarters over its handling of the war.
"The international community has been relatively muted in its criticism of Israel," said Dr. Alon Liel, a former Israeli diplomat. "This has allowed Netanyahu to maintain his position without facing significant pressure from abroad."
As the conflict enters its third year, it remains unclear whether Netanyahu's popularity will continue to fluctuate or if he will be able to consolidate support among Israelis.
Background:
The Gaza war began in May 2021, with Israel launching a military operation against Hamas militants. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction on both sides.
Additional Perspectives:
Some analysts argue that Netanyahu's continued popularity is due to his ability to tap into Israeli fears and insecurities.
"Netanyahu has managed to create a sense of national unity around the war effort," said Dr. Gadi Wolfsfeld, a professor at Hebrew University. "This has allowed him to maintain his support despite criticism over other issues."
Others argue that Netanyahu's popularity is short-lived and will eventually decline as Israelis become increasingly frustrated with the ongoing conflict.
"The Israeli public is not naive; they know what's happening in Gaza," said Dr. Amnon Aran, a professor at Tel Aviv University. "As the war drags on, support for Netanyahu will likely erode."
Current Status:
Netanyahu remains in power, but his popularity continues to be a subject of debate among Israelis and international observers.
Next Developments:
The conflict is expected to continue, with both sides showing no signs of compromise. The outcome of the war and its impact on Netanyahu's popularity remain uncertain.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
