While the focus has been on Israel’s offensive strikes in Gaza, many Israelis are awaiting Prime Minister Netanyahu’s next political move. In a video statement earlier this week, Netanyahu expressed a lack of confidence in Israel’s Head of the Internal Security Service (the ‘Shin Bet’), Ronen Bar, and signalled his plans to fire him – a move critics argue further undermines his credibility and leadership amid mounting pressure from ongoing legal battles and conflict with the judiciary.
Netanyahu has previously come under fire for dismissing Yoav Gallant, Israel’s Defence Minister.
This decision to target key government officials, like Bar and Gallant, comes as Netanyahu’s corruption trial enters its fifth year, further deepening the political instability surrounding his leadership. With lawyers on both sides indicating that Netanyahu’s testimony could last until April 2026, the trial has become a symbol of political instability.
Over the past few years, Netanyahu has faced serious charges across three separate cases: Case 1000 ‘The Gifts Affair’, Case 2000 ‘The Yedioth Ahronoth Affair’, and Case 4000 ‘The Bezeq-Walla Affair’. He has been accused of fraud and breach of trust, including accepting gifts, using his influence to curb the media outlet Israel Hayom, and offering regulatory benefits to the telecommunications company Bezeq in exchange for more favourable media coverage.
This legal journey was recently documented in the controversial documentary The Bibi Files, which highlights a perspective on Netanyahu’s leadership.
But the implications of these legal cases and political manoeuvres have divided public opinion in Israel and beyond its borders, leading to a loss of credibility in Israel’s democratic system as Netanyahu continues to undermine the judiciary and diplomatic processes.
A survey published on March 9 by the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute found that 73 percent of Israelis want Netanyahu to resign, either now or after the Gaza war. 48 percent of those surveyed believe the Prime Minister should resign immediately. 70 percent of respondents support continuing with the second stage of the ceasefire agreement and securing the release of all hostages.
The survey is based on a representative sample of the Israeli population, aged 18 and above, consisting of 605 Jewish respondents and 154 Arab respondents.
On March 17, 2025, Netanyahu authorised airstrikes targeting Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip. While Reuters and AP News initially reported 69 deaths, health authorities have since updated the toll to 400, including children and families.
This escalation marked the end of a fragile two-month ceasefire, with both sides violating its terms. Israeli media outlets reported the operation’s plan was kept highly classified to create a tactical deception, leaving Hamas unprepared to counter.
As leaders of surrounding countries in the Middle East, along with the United Arab Emirates, look to Netanyahu for stronger leadership in the hope of rehoming displaced Palestinians and securing a long-term ceasefire, the recent airstrikes signal a shift towards reliance on military force.
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned Netanyahu’s recent attack as a “flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement”. The Ministry, which played a key role in brokering the ceasefire, had previously accused him of attempting to distract the Israeli public and compromise regional relations.
Previously, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan denounced Netanyahu’s suggestion that the UAE could participate in the civil administration of the Gaza Strip, under Israeli occupation.
With Israel facing pressure from other countries to address security concerns, economic challenges, and ongoing tensions with Palestinians, Netanyahu’s fractured leadership and political action risk hindering his government’s ability to tackle these urgent issues.
