Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently solidified his political position, marking his strongest standing since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. His allies are now calling for a purge within the government, reflecting a shift in power dynamics that has left Netanyahu feeling empowered by recent political successes, including the removal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant [a7ef8c8b].
In a significant move, Netanyahu has also brought opposition lawmaker Gideon Saar back into his government as a minister without portfolio. This decision is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen his coalition amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, providing him with a majority of 68 seats in the 120-seat parliament [c494d17c]. Saar's return follows a tumultuous political journey, having previously left the Likud party and later rejoining an emergency unity government after the Hamas attack. His reintegration is viewed as crucial for bolstering unity against external threats, particularly from Hamas and Hezbollah [c494d17c].
Netanyahu's recent political maneuvers come at a time when he is reportedly euphoric over Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. elections, which many of his allies believe could influence U.S.-Israel relations positively. However, this growing power has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic checks within Israel, often referred to as 'gatekeepers.' Critics argue that Netanyahu's consolidation of power could undermine democratic institutions and processes [a7ef8c8b].
Despite facing an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, Netanyahu remains resilient domestically, navigating both internal political dynamics and external pressures. His government continues to face scrutiny regarding its military operations in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict [efbeb4b7].
As Netanyahu's coalition grapples with these challenges, the call for a purge among his allies signals a potential shift towards a more hardline approach, which could further complicate Israel's political landscape and its relations with the international community [d6423118].