Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a devastating attack by 3,800 trained Hamas terrorists in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in the massacre of nearly 1,200 people, including over 30 Americans. This attack shocked Israel and left 101 hostages still in Hamas captivity a year later. Netanyahu quickly responded to the attack, declaring that Israel was at war and not merely engaged in an operation or rounds of fighting. Despite the initial shock, Netanyahu’s leadership in the war against Hamas has been lauded for its tenacity and courage by Israeli experts.
With a year of intense war with Hamas and Hezbollah under his belt, including the opening of additional fronts against Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” Netanyahu has rebounded to take on the threat to Israel’s existence. Netanyahu has been praised for his ability to mitigate the threat of Hamas by destroying its tunnel infrastructure and eliminating its leaders. While progress has been made, there are still challenges ahead, such as the 101 hostages in Gaza and the 70,000 Israelis who are unable to return to their homes in the north. Netanyahu’s successes against Hamas and Hezbollah have led to a rise in popularity in political polling in Israel.
Netanyahu’s decisive actions against Hamas and Hezbollah, including the near total decimation of Hezbollah’s leadership, have been key to his resurgence in popularity. Despite critics who believe he should have resigned or handled the situation differently, Netanyahu’s leadership has been commended for its effectiveness in fighting against the terrorist threats facing Israel. Netanyahu’s push for decisive action against Hamas led to the seizure of the southern Gaza city of Rafah and the release of hostages held by Hamas. While facing resistance within his administration, Netanyahu’s resolve and strategic decisions have been crucial in Israel’s fight against terrorism.
Critics of Netanyahu, such as veteran Israeli columnist Yossi Melman, have accused him of lacking a vision and strategy in the war against Hezbollah. Netanyahu has faced legal challenges, including charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes, which he strongly denies. Melman and others have also criticized Netanyahu for straining relations with the U.S. and failing to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas. Despite these criticisms, supporters like Caroline Glick praise Netanyahu’s refusal to capitulate to pressure from the Biden-Harris administration and his determination to fight for victory in the face of continued threats from Hamas and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu’s leadership in the war against Hamas and Hezbollah has been characterized as a case study in tenacity and courage. Despite facing criticism and legal challenges, Netanyahu’s ability to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and push for decisive action against terrorist threats has been crucial to Israel’s security and success on the battlefield. While challenges remain, including the ongoing conflict with Hamas and Hezbollah, Netanyahu’s leadership continues to be a central focus in Israel’s fight against terrorism and threats to its existence.
