Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to resume military action in Gaza, influenced by pressure from far-right factions within his government. This decision comes despite a significant portion of the Israeli public favoring negotiations to secure the release of hostages over a complete military victory against Hamas.
As the ceasefire in Gaza extended, hostages released during this period began to recount their harrowing experiences, putting Netanyahu in a difficult political position. He faced demands from his coalition's far-right members to restart the conflict, while many Israelis focused on the safe return of hostages.
Polls indicated strong public support for extending the ceasefire, which would involve withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza and ensuring the release of all hostages. However, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a staunch opponent of the ceasefire, threatened to resign if hostilities did not resume. Netanyahu must navigate these internal pressures as he seeks approval for a critical budget vote in the Knesset by March 31, 2025, to avoid triggering early elections.
The recent intense bombardment of Gaza, the most severe since the conflict's early days in 2023, signaled Netanyahu's political choice regarding the conflict's direction. Families of hostages criticized this move as a betrayal, with Ayala Metzger confronting Smotrich in parliament over the decision to continue military operations.
Criticism also came from within military circles. Retired Maj Gen Amos Yadlin, a former head of military intelligence, warned that resuming the war with hostages still in Gaza could compromise military effectiveness and morale. He argued that a responsible leader would prioritize the hostages' return before pursuing military objectives against Hamas.
Signs of declining morale have emerged, with the military dismissing a combat navigator who refused to serve in protest of the government's actions. Although the air force described this as an isolated incident, there are concerns about potential widespread dissent.
Netanyahu's reluctance to initiate a state inquiry into the events of October 7, which marked the war's beginning, has fueled domestic criticism. He maintains that military pressure is essential for securing hostages' release and ensuring Israel's security through Hamas's defeat.
The ceasefire deal, already fragile, collapsed after Hamas refused to release hostages and rejected proposals from a US envoy. Netanyahu delayed negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire, opting to extend the first phase, which Yadlin argued weakened Israel's position.
The political benefits of resuming military action were quickly evident. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right leader who had resigned from his cabinet position over the ceasefire, rejoined the government following the renewed attacks. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that the overnight bombing was part of a broader campaign, suggesting preparations for a ground invasion.
The international response to the latest attacks was one of widespread condemnation, with warnings of dire consequences for the over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza. Despite this, the US, Israel's primary ally, was informed in advance and expressed support for the strikes. Former President Donald Trump had previously issued stern warnings to Hamas regarding the hostages, indicating potential backing for continued military action, limiting the influence of Netanyahu's critics both domestically and internationally.