Netanyahu’s Resurgence: How Israel's Leader Turned the Tide Amid Crisis and Controversy

[Social Media]

 

Against all odds, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to stage a political comeback that few would have predicted in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack, the deadliest tragedy in Israel's history. Despite the initial backlash against his handling of the crisis, Netanyahu is now leading in the polls as Israel’s preferred leader, an extraordinary shift that has baffled both critics and analysts alike.

 

Known as a master of political survival, Netanyahu has repeatedly defied predictions of his political demise, winning elections five times even when it seemed his career was on the brink. Analysts initially speculated that the October 7 massacre, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis, might finally mark the end of his reign. Yet, Netanyahu’s strategy of waiting out the storm appears to be paying off, with polls showing a significant resurgence in his and his party’s popularity.

 

In August, a Maariv poll indicated that Netanyahu’s Likud party had regained its position as the largest party in the Knesset, securing 22 seats, while the National Unity party, led by his main rival Benny Gantz, dropped to 20 seats. More strikingly, 48 percent of voters expressed a preference for Netanyahu as prime minister, compared to 42 percent for Gantz. This shift in public opinion is remarkable, considering the months of protests, international criticism, and even dissent from within Israel’s own military and political elite that have marred Netanyahu’s tenure since the October attack.

 

For many Israelis, Netanyahu’s resilience in the face of intense pressure—both from within the country and from key allies like the United States—has reinforced his image as a leader who can stand firm during crises. Pinhas Amar, a 67-year-old from Hadera, voiced his support for Netanyahu, citing his “resistance to pressure” and the way he handled the hostage situation, despite accusations that Netanyahu had not done enough to secure their release. Amar sees Netanyahu as “running a marathon,” a leader who is in it for the long haul.

 

Shulamit Perez, from Or Akiva, echoes this sentiment, describing Netanyahu as the “smartest” and most “responsible” politician in Israel. Like many of Netanyahu’s supporters, she believes that the left-wing opposition has been unfairly targeting him for years, using October 7 as their latest pretext. Perez does not believe Netanyahu was adequately warned by Israel’s security agencies about the Hamas threat, further exonerating him in her eyes.

 

Aviv Bushinsky, a former adviser and chief of staff to Netanyahu, attributes the prime minister’s renewed popularity to his unwavering message on the necessity of completely eliminating Hamas. According to Bushinsky, Netanyahu’s focus on national security and his resistance to international pressure, including from the US, resonates deeply with the Israeli public. “Israelis want to see leadership and strength. And Netanyahu has shown both,” Bushinsky explains.

 

This strategy of positioning himself as a defender of Israel against both external and internal adversaries is a familiar one for Netanyahu. Throughout his career, he has often portrayed himself as the only leader capable of standing up to Israel’s enemies, even at the risk of straining relationships with allies. While his critics argue that this approach jeopardizes Israel’s long-term security, particularly its relationship with the US, Netanyahu’s core supporters continue to reward him for it at the polls.

 

Benny Gantz’s failure to provide a clear and compelling alternative has also played into Netanyahu’s hands. According to Bushinsky, Gantz’s decision to leave the government without offering a “precise and clear” reason was a pivotal moment that led to his decline in public support. Meanwhile, Miki Zohar, Israel’s culture minister and one of Netanyahu’s closest confidants, believes that many Israelis are beginning to appreciate the prime minister’s long-term strategy concerning threats like Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Zohar argues that Netanyahu’s patience and consistency in his messaging have been key to his political survival.

 

Political strategist Nadav Shtrauchler, who has worked closely with Netanyahu, describes the prime minister’s current position as the “second chapter” of his post-October 7 survival strategy. Shtrauchler predicts that Netanyahu will use the upcoming months, particularly the period leading up to the US election and the return of the Knesset from recess, to solidify his position. This could involve making a significant military move on Israel’s northern border or securing a ceasefire with Hamas, actions that could further bolster his standing among voters.

 

However, despite his recent gains, Shtrauchler cautions that Netanyahu is unlikely to regain the level of support he once enjoyed, noting that the prime minister’s party will “never go back” to holding 32 seats in the Knesset. The current coalition faces numerous challenges, including the contentious issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox youth into the army, a topic that has previously toppled Netanyahu’s governments. Shtrauchler anticipates that Israelis should prepare for elections in 2025, as the coalition’s stability remains precarious.

 

Yet, even as Netanyahu appears to be regaining his footing, his leadership continues to provoke fierce opposition, particularly from the families of hostages still held by Hamas. Sharone Lifschitz, whose 83-year-old father, Oded Lifschitz, remains captive in Gaza, has been vocal in her criticism of Netanyahu, accusing him of delaying a ceasefire deal that could have secured the hostages’ release. Lifschitz blames Netanyahu for using the hostages as “human shields” to further his political agenda, a sentiment that reflects the deep divisions within Israeli society over his leadership.

 

Ultimately, Netanyahu’s ability to navigate the aftermath of the October 7 attack and maintain his grip on power underscores his enduring political acumen. He has managed to survive the most significant crisis in Israel’s history by doing what he does best: stalling for time, playing the political game to his advantage, and maintaining a consistent message on security. However, his continued success will depend on whether he can address the hostages' issue and other critical challenges facing his government. Failure to do so could prove unforgivable to many voters, potentially undoing the gains he has so carefully rebuilt.

 

Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-08-26

 

 

 

Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

[spidermike007]

Meanwhile his disapproval rate amongst the Israeli public stands at 70%.

 

Nearly three-quarters of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign over his government’s failures during the October 7 Hamas attack, according to a poll published by Israel’s Channel 12 on Friday.

 

Out of the 72% of respondents who said that the prime minister should step down, 44% believe he should leave office immediately, while 28% suggested he should resign after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conclude their military operation in Gaza.

[MalcolmB]

3 hours ago, Social Media said:

October 7 Hamas attack, the deadliest tragedy in Israel's history.

Apart from the 40,000 that have been slaughtered since.

Gaza is in Israel.

Or we don’t them?

[Nick Carter icp]

4 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Apart from the 40,000 that have been slaughtered since.

Gaza is in Israel.

Or we don’t them?

 

   Those were terrorists or people killed when terrorists were attacked .

   Its those responsible for Oct 7 th that are that 40 000

[nobodysfriend]

Nethanyahu and his cronies should be in prison .

THAT is where he belongs to .

Hopefully the ICC will issue the arrest warrants soon .

[Nick Carter icp]

19 minutes ago, nobodysfriend said:

Nethanyahu and his cronies should be in prison .

THAT is where he belongs to .

Hopefully the ICC will issue the arrest warrants soon .

 

   Why haven't they issued any arrest warrants already ?

[MalcolmB]

47 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Those were terrorists or people killed when terrorists were attacked .

   Its those responsible for Oct 7 th that are that 40 000

Those 18,000 kids attacked on Oct 7?

 

Some people will believe anything.

[Nick Carter icp]

3 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Those 18,000 kids attacked on Oct 7?

 

Some people will believe anything.

 

  You are correct , some people will believe anything .

18 000 kids attacked being a good example 

[stevenl]

Nethanyahu is staying in power by prolonging the war and giving the settlers in the west bank more or less free reign.

[MalcolmB]

5 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  You are correct , some people will believe anything .

18 000 kids attacked being a good example 

That 18,000 is just the dead kids.

There are about another 50,000 with missing limbs, severe burns, in wheelchairs etc. 

And quite a few orphans because their parents were killed.

probably another 10,000 buried under the rubble they haven’t counted as well.

[Nick Carter icp]

5 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Nethanyahu is staying in power by prolonging the war and giving the settlers in the west bank more or less free reign.

 

  Jews taking Judea back from the Muslim colonisers after Jews were expelled from the land 

[Nick Carter icp]

10 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

That 18,000 is just the dead kids.

There are about another 50,000 with missing limbs, severe burns, in wheelchairs etc. 

And quite a few orphans because their parents were killed.

probably another 10,000 buried under the rubble they haven’t counted as well.

 

   How many died from starvation ?

[MalcolmB]

31 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   How many died from starvation ?

Not too many as brave people have been risking their lives to get food to the people. The ones that have died were mainly children. Thousands more will suffer from the effects for the remainder of their lives.

The Jews target and kill those aid workers also.

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

53 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Not too many as brave people have been risking their lives to get food to the people. The ones that have died were mainly children. Thousands more will suffer from the effects for the remainder of their lives.

The Jews target and kill those aid workers also.

 

 

 

   

54 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Not too many as brave people have been risking their lives to get food to the people. The ones that have died were mainly children. Thousands more will suffer from the effects for the remainder of their lives.

The Jews target and kill those aid workers also.

 

 

 

    The Jews ?

Israel provided food for its enemy and there was no starvation , it was Hamas who stole the food and sold it for their own profit and that's why there were food shortages .

   The IDF attacked the car (above) because there were Hamas gunman among the passengers , but as aid workers' died in the attack it was a mistake to attack that car .

   The Israelis  responsible were punished for their mistake .

   The IDF punish their wrong doers , Hamas celebrate when they kill innocents  

[MalcolmB]

1 minute ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   

 

    The Jews ?

Israel provided food for its enemy and there was no starvation , it was Hamas who stole the food and sold it for their own profit and that's why there were food shortages .

   The IDF attacked the car (above) because there were Hamas gunman among the passengers , but as aid workers' died in the attack it was a mistake to attack that car .

   The Israelis  responsible were punished for their mistake .

   The IDF punish their wrong doers , Hamas celebrate when they kill innocents  

You are just making stuff up now.

[Nick Carter icp]

20 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

You are just making stuff up now.

 

   Did you even watch and listen to your own video ?

It stated in your video that the IDF responsible were punished for that attack .

   I quoted the info given in your link and you then accuse me of making it up .

   So, it would be you the one making things up, as you provided the link 

[MalcolmB]

32 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

The Jews ?

Yes the Jews.

 

It isn’t the Muslims attacking Gaza. 

[Nick Carter icp]

2 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Yes the Jews.

 

It isn’t the Muslims attacking Gaza. 

 

   Its the Israelis , not the Jews 

[stevenl]

2 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

  Jews taking Judea back from the Muslim colonisers after Jews were expelled from the land 

 

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   

 

    The Jews ?

Israel provided food for its enemy and there was no starvation , it was Hamas who stole the food and sold it for their own profit and that's why there were food shortages .

   The IDF attacked the car (above) because there were Hamas gunman among the passengers , but as aid workers' died in the attack it was a mistake to attack that car .

   The Israelis  responsible were punished for their mistake .

   The IDF punish their wrong doers , Hamas celebrate when they kill innocents  

So you can say 'the jews' and others can't. 

Edited August 26 by stevenl

[Rimmer]

A Troll post has been removed

[Nick Carter icp]

5 minutes ago, stevenl said:

 

So you can say 'the jews' and others can't. 

 

   It was Jewish land before it became Israel .

The land was called Judea before Jews were expelled by the Romans  .

   Had I said that Israelis were taking back their land , that wouldn't make sense because it was called Judea at the time  

[MalcolmB]

41 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Its the Israelis , not the Jews 

The Jewish ones.

[Nick Carter icp]

1 minute ago, MalcolmB said:

The Jewish ones.

 

   Muslims and Christians also serve in the IDF , not just Jews

[billd766]

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Meanwhile his disapproval rate amongst the Israeli public stands at 70%.

 

Nearly three-quarters of Israelis want Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign over his government’s failures during the October 7 Hamas attack, according to a poll published by Israel’s Channel 12 on Friday.

 

Out of the 72% of respondents who said that the prime minister should step down, 44% believe he should leave office immediately, while 28% suggested he should resign after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conclude their military operation in Gaza.

28% suggested he should resign after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conclude their military operation in Gaza.

 

That date would be the 12th of Never, and that's a long long time.

 

I would imagine that that his movements are carefully controlled with as short a notification as possible, Imagine what life must be like for his wife and family who must be under armed guard 24/7. All of them under the threat of assassination.

 

His family I have sympathy for, but I feel and have nothing but contempt for him personally.

[spidermike007]

9 minutes ago, billd766 said:

28% suggested he should resign after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conclude their military operation in Gaza.

 

That date would be the 12th of Never, and that's a long long time.

 

I would imagine that that his movements are carefully controlled with as short a notification as possible, Imagine what life must be like for his wife and family who must be under armed guard 24/7. All of them under the threat of assassination.

 

His family I have sympathy for, but I feel and have nothing but contempt for him personally.

Well I definitely feel for his kids and his relatives. I don't feel anything for his wife, she had a choice and she had to have known what a monster he was when she married him. I'm sure she would deny it just like mobster wives say, oh, I had no idea he was whacking people for a living. 

[stevenl]

8 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   It was Jewish land before it became Israel .

The land was called Judea before Jews were expelled by the Romans  .

   Had I said that Israelis were taking back their land , that wouldn't make sense because it was called Judea at the time  

Your argument doesn't make sense.

[coolcarer]

8 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Muslims and Christians also serve in the IDF , not just Jews

Indeed. But it’s easier to label the whole IDF as Jewish for some which is just not true of course.

[Nick Carter icp]

15 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Your argument doesn't make sense.

 

   In what way doesn't it make sense ?

[riclag]

He’s got  a strong base  .

Many Were taught Never Forget!

This Never forget is a message all Jews can understand , its ingrained in survival of their culture .One of the Most persecuted races,on the planet!

 

He was facing lawfare from the left

years prior , but it never could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt!

 

When terrorism comes a nation unites , except for his political opponents!

I like Him , He’s Israel !

 

imop

[mdr224]

19 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   In what way doesn't it make sense ?

It doesnt fit an anti-israel liberal agenda