Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting challenges as he seeks to maintain public trust amid ongoing conflict and political upheaval. Less than a year ago, Netanyahu described Israel as experiencing a "golden age," marked by a decade of relative security. However, the surprise attack on October 7, 2023, by thousands of militants from Gaza dramatically altered the country's security landscape. The assault resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 hostages, marking one of the deadliest attacks on Israel in recent history.
Netanyahu has resisted taking personal responsibility for the intelligence and military failures that preceded the attacks. Reports indicate that despite clear signs of Hamas preparing for an offensive, including increased militant activity and detailed battle plans, Israeli security officials did not alert the prime minister on the morning of the assault. Following the attack, Netanyahu blocked an independent government inquiry into the failures.
Since then, Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has led to significant casualties among Palestinians; Gaza health officials report over 74,000 deaths. Human rights organizations and international governments have accused Netanyahu’s administration of war crimes. Critics also allege that Netanyahu prolonged the conflict and delayed hostage release negotiations to maintain the support of his far-right coalition members, though his office declined to comment on these claims.
The ongoing conflict has placed considerable strain on Israel’s military reserves, with many Israelis repeatedly called to service. At the same time, Netanyahu has continued to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jewish men from mandatory military duty—a move that aligns with demands from his coalition’s religious factions but has drawn internal criticism.
Internationally, Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war has led to growing isolation and boycotts from some allies. Former U.S. ambassador Daniel B. Shapiro noted a significant decline in American support for Israel, suggesting that a leadership change might be necessary to reverse this trend.
In 2025, Netanyahu outlined a national security doctrine emphasizing preemptive action to counter threats, signaling a shift from previous policies of containment. This approach reflects his response to escalating tensions in neighboring Lebanon and Syria as well as the 2024 killing of Hezbollah’s long-time leader.
Politically, Netanyahu remains a polarizing figure. At recent campaign events, his rhetoric has focused heavily on perceived threats from Israel’s Arab citizens and their political representatives, urging supporters to reject Arab party leader Mansour Abbas. His supporters describe him as a uniquely capable leader dedicated to Israel’s security and survival.
Nonetheless, Netanyahu’s tenure has been shadowed by legal troubles, including an ongoing corruption trial since 2020. The prime minister and his allies have increasingly targeted Israel’s legal establishment, framing it as part of a "deep state" undermining their authority. This confrontation has fueled widespread protests against judicial reforms proposed by Netanyahu’s government, reforms critics warn could weaken judicial independence and erode democratic checks and balances.
Netanyahu’s initial ambitions for regional diplomacy, including expanding ties with Gulf states and seeking Saudi Arabia’s normalization, have been curtailed by his far-right coalition partners. His government’s hardline policies on the West Bank, including reluctance to engage in Palestinian statehood talks and failure to curb settler violence, have contributed to sanctions from several traditionally supportive countries.
As Netanyahu navigates these complex internal and external pressures, observers note a leader whose strategic focus has shifted markedly over recent years—from broader geopolitical goals to a more personal and often contentious struggle to retain power.