Yair Rosenberg, a staff writer at The Atlantic, discusses Netanyahu's exit strategy amidst the Gaza conflict. Topics include ICC charges, Iran's political changes, Hamas tactics, and Israeli government dynamics.
Netanyahu faces internal criticism for lacking a post-war strategy in Gaza.
International legal scrutiny intensifies pressure on Israel and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes.
Deep dives
Internal Pressures in Israel's War Cabinet
Members of Israel's war cabinet, especially Defense Minister Joav Klamant, publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his lack of a post-war strategy in Gaza. The defense establishment expressed discontent over fighting a war without a clear political strategy to secure victory. Netanyahu's style of keeping all options open due to his coalition's composition has led to internal turmoil and calls for a decisive political direction after the conflict with Hamas.
External Pressure from the ICC and ICJ
The International Criminal Court announced warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes during the seven-month conflict. This move heightened external pressure while also drawing criticism for equating Israel and Hamas. Additionally, the International Court of Justice is anticipated to explore restraining orders against Israel near Gaza. These legal proceedings have intensified the complexities and debates surrounding the conflict in Gaza.
Uncertain Impact of Internal and External Influences
The combination of internal dissent within Israel's leadership and external legal scrutiny from international bodies like the ICC and ICJ has created a complex landscape for resolving the conflict in Gaza. While internal pressures reveal cracks in Netanyahu's leadership and the need for clear post-war strategies, the international legal actions add layers of uncertainty to the situation. The collision of these internal and external dynamics poses challenges to predict the ultimate outcome and resolution of the conflict.
Seven months into the war in Gaza, both the international community and many Israelis are demanding to know what Benjamin Netanyahu’s “day after” plan is. Observers are also wondering whether charges from the International Criminal Court will influence Israel’s approach—and whether the death of Iran’s president and foreign minister will change how Hamas fights.
Guest: Yair Rosenberg, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the newsletter Deep Shtetl, about the intersection of politics, culture, and religion.
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Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme and Rob Gunther.