Benjamin Netanyahu

Benjamin Netanyahu: The Comeback King Who Faces His Biggest Test. The Unstoppable Politician—Until Now? Benjamin Netanyahu, longstanding prime minister of Israel has managed to live on through controversies. After returning to the power in 2022, he is perhaps facing his biggest challenge yet: a split nation, a war with no end, and a legacy at stake. As Israel emerges from the 2023-2024 Gaza war with growing isolation around the world, the political survival skills of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are being tested. Netanyahu's 2025: Crisis, Control and Challenges 1. The War’s Shadow. The effect of the 2023-2024 war on Gaza came through thousands dead and the rising global isolation of Israel. Families of hostages, whose loved ones still remain in captivity, stage protests weekly outside Netanyahu’s house. The clashes are taking place on the Lebanon border, raising fears of a second front. 2. Domestic Turmoil. Coalition on the Brink - Far-right allies (Ben-Gvir, Smotrich) push for hardline policies, while centrists threaten to bolt. Hundreds of thousands join massive protests against Netanyahu's judicial reforms and corruption. His approval rating for March 2025 stood at 42%, having fallen from post-war highs but remaining formidable. 3. The Corruption Cloud. Netanyahu is facing bribery and fraud trials, which has led to the opposition referring to him as a criminal in power. His allies are trying to legislate a safety law for him which has created outrage. Netanyahu's Playbook Consists Of Long-Lasting Survival Create a divide between the seculars and religious, left and right to keep his coalition going. Politicians use fear of high-profile enemies to justify extreme measures. Puts forth an effort to garner support from Republicans and also engage in conflict with Biden. The 2025 Battlegrounds. 1. U.S. Relations. Biden warns Israel over settlements as Congress stands united behind Israel. If Trump Wins in 2024, There Will Be a ‘Bibi’ Reset 2. The Saudi Deal Mirage. Discussions of normalization, which were once the focus of much attention, have now stalled because of the Palestinian statehood demands. Netanyahu may break his coalition by making concessions or risk becoming isolated in the region if no deal happens. 3. The Post-War Void. “Who Rules Gaza?”: While Netanyahu is refusing to answer the question, the Egyptians, Emiratis and Hamas are fighting to rule Gaza. Israel's economy is under pressure - tourism is down, defence spending is up. Can Bibi Survive? Three Scenarios. 1. The Great Escape (Again). He seeks to encourage his supporters, postpone court proceedings, and blame Hamas and Iran for everything else. Odds: 50%—he’s done it before. 2. Coalition Collapse. The far-right will defect or the centrists will revolt over deals with Gaza and Saudi. Fifth election in six years granted Odds: 30%. 3. The Fall of the King. Protests swell, allies abandon him, legal noose tightens: nightmare scenario. Chance: 20%—but don't ever count out Bibi. Why Netanyahu Still Matters. There’s no better master tactician in Israel’s games than him. A lightning rod for the world, who the left hates and the right loves. Will he be remembered as a savior or divider of Israel? Now it's your turn: will Bibi outlast them all? Can he hold onto power—or is time running out? Should the U.S. stay with him, or seek changes? Who could replace him? Gantz? Lapid? A dark horse? Sound off below!