This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler Israel-Gaza – Will anybody stop Netanyahu?
May 29, 2025
In this discussion, Gregg Carlstrom, a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, highlights the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza amid ongoing military actions by Israel. He comments on the geopolitical dynamics, including the pressure on Netanyahu from far-right partners and the implications of Trump's recent visit aimed at brokering deals. The complexities of Arab leaders’ subdued support for Israel and the broader regional conflicts offer insight into the intricate interplay of power, aid, and foreign policy in this crisis.
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Ineffective Israeli Blockade
- Israel's blockade of Gaza has imposed severe humanitarian suffering without achieving military or diplomatic goals.
- Despite intense conflict, neither defeating Hamas nor securing hostage releases has progressed.
Challenges of Occupying Gaza
- Israeli military aims to hold territory in Gaza to prevent Hamas regrouping, unlike prior raid-and-leave operations.
- Challenges include manpower shortages, international opposition, and Hamas guerrilla tactics embedded in civilians.
Netanyahu's Political Grip
- Netanyahu is unlikely to voluntarily leave power despite failures; coalition dynamics favor his continuation.
- Far-right parties in government risk losing power if elections occur, so they resist early elections.