Aaron David Miller on Netanyahu's Political Strategy Amidst War and Legal Troubles

Netanyahu's Political Maneuvers

• 🎯 Prime Minister Netanyahu is described as doubling down across the board, driven by the need to pass a budget and manage a controversial ultra-Orthodox conscription bill.
• 🤝 The rejoining of Ben Gvir to the government has increased Netanyahu's seat count to 68, enabling him to maintain his coalition.
• 💡 Miller suggests Netanyahu is adopting a strategy akin to Trump's, imposing his own version of liberalism on Israel that predates Trump's presidency.

Impact of Domestic Politics on War Conduct

• ⚖️ Netanyahu is currently on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, making his political survival a primary concern.
• 📉 If he loses power, he faces potential conviction or a plea deal that would end his political career.
• ⚠️ This political imperative, tragically, is seen as tethered to his decision-making on national security issues, causing public upset, with polls indicating a majority want him out.

Hostage Situation and Lack of a Clear Plan

• 💔 The plight of hostages, including American Adon Alexander, is highlighted, with his father directly questioning Netanyahu's plan to end the war and secure the remaining hostages.
• ❓ The father's plea underscores the personal toll and the desire for a clear strategy beyond continued conflict.

Avoiding Accountability for October 7th

• ⚡ Netanyahu is accused of keeping a controlled level of escalation to avoid accountability for the October 7th intelligence failure.
• 🏛️ Unlike the aftermath of the 1973 war, where a state commission of inquiry was appointed, Netanyahu has avoided appointing one, despite the greatest intelligence failure in Israel's history.
• 🧠 Described as a willful, determined, and skillful politician, Netanyahu has so far escaped accountability for the events of October 7th.