Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, embroiled in Israeli politics for the last few months, has faced severe criticism for his now-deleted tweet blaming the army and intelligence chiefs for the October 7 Hamas attack, with political leaders slamming him for playing politics during a critical military campaign.
Political leaders condemned Netanyahu for jeopardizing national security with a focus on personal interests. The incident highlighted a deepening rift within the political and military establishment, questioning the prime minister's leadership capabilities during a challenging military campaign.
Netanyahu's attempt to address the situation by forming an emergency war cabinet, including former military officers from the opposition, failed to quell the discontent. Former defence minister Benny Gantz demanded a retraction of Netanyahu's statements and expressed unwavering support for the army and intelligence agencies.
Experts suggest this episode has exposed a lack of trust in Netanyahu within the government, a critical issue during a complex military operation. The formation of the emergency war cabinet, while initially seen as a strategic move, has not fully mended the fractures within Israel's political establishment.
The controversy adds to existing tensions stemming from one of Israel's most significant intelligence failures. Despite admissions of shortcomings from the security apparatus, Netanyahu refused to acknowledge responsibility during a news briefing, hinting that answers to tough questions would come after the conflict.
The timing of the crisis compounds Netanyahu's challenges, coming on the heels of a political crisis and widespread protests against controversial reforms. The public's confidence in the government has plummeted, with only 20 per cent trusting Netanyahu's cabinet, a 20-year low according to a recent poll.
While thousands of reservists have joined the fight against Hamas, analysts caution that unity against the common enemy doesn't necessarily translate to support for Netanyahu's government. The political survival skills of Israel's longest-serving prime minister may be tested as opposition to his conduct intensifies.
Despite the growing opposition, Netanyahu's deep reservoir of public support should not be underestimated. Having been in power for 13 of the last 14 years, he has weathered political storms before.
The expansion of the government to include senior military members may not only serve to broaden his political base but also strategically deflect responsibility for potential military failures once the war concludes.