Israeli opposition accuses Netanyahu of using Gaza war for political survival
A demonstrator sits wearing a mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dressed in a prison uniform during a protest calling for action to release the remaining hostages outside the Israeli Defence Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on March 15, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Israel’s opposition leaders have strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for resuming attacks on Gaza, accusing him of using the conflict for political gain.
The backlash comes as Netanyahu moves to dismiss Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, a decision that has drawn widespread scrutiny.
Driving the news
- Opposition figures argue that Netanyahu is reigniting the war to strengthen his political standing ahead of the 2025 budget vote.
- Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition Yesh Atid party, said Netanyahu has lost public trust and is dragging Israel into war to serve his own interests.
- Former Science Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen accused Netanyahu’s government of using military actions to suppress dissent.
- Lawmaker Naama Lazimi questioned the fate of Israeli hostages in Gaza, emphasizing the lack of a clear plan for their return.
Between the lines:
- Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to bring far-right leader Itamar Ben-Gvir back into his coalition after he resigned in protest over the temporary cease-fire.
- Ben-Gvir had demanded the resumption of military operations in Gaza as a condition for rejoining the government.
- Opposition figures, including lawmaker Moshe Tor-Paz, claim the timing of the attacks is directly linked to Netanyahu’s political maneuvering.
The latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which resumed on March 18, have killed at least 400 people, mostly women and children, and wounded over 500.
The renewed assault follows the collapse of a temporary ceasefthat had been in place since Jan. 19.
What they’re saying
Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian-Israeli lawmaker, accused Netanyahu of choosing “more war and destruction” to maintain power.
Netanyahu’s office defended the decision, stating that the attacks were necessary to combat Hamas and restore security.
Hamas condemned Israel for breaking the cease-fire and accused it of committing genocide under the watch of international mediators.
Big picture
Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza have denounced the government’s actions, accusing Netanyahu of abandoning the captives while using their plight as a pretext for war.
The opposition sees Netanyahu’s recent moves—including the ousting of the Shin Bet chief—as signs of political desperation rather than national security strategy.
