Why White House Envoys Cannot Sway Israel’s War Leader

Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of the US peace plan for Gaza has sparked debate about the Israeli prime minister’s motives. Beneath the surface, it becomes clear that Netanyahu’s stance is not just about politics – it’s about survival.

Netanyahu knows his electoral prospects depend on maintaining an image of strength in the face of perceived threats. For him, peace negotiations are a liability because they could lead to concessions seen as “giving in” to Israel’s enemies. This calculus is rooted in the Israeli public’s distorted perception of reality: many citizens genuinely believe that the world at large seeks Israel’s destruction.

The Israeli prime minister has mastered playing on these fears by positioning himself as the only leader capable of handling Israel’s multifaceted security threats. His supporters see him as the only one who can separate “good” from “evil” and establish robust defense alliances for Israel. By delaying negotiations and maintaining the status quo, Netanyahu dictates the terms of any potential deal.

He extracts concessions from his opponents while minimizing his own political risk. This strategy is reminiscent of leaders who use war to maintain power and manipulate public opinion. Ariel Sharon’s playbook during the Second Intifada comes to mind – he used military actions to justify Israel’s actions and consolidate his own power.

The economic costs of perpetual war might concern Netanyahu, but they are secondary to his survival. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned of “large fiscal costs” on the Israeli economy in case of renewed intense military activity. However, these costs are not a priority for Netanyahu as long as he can present himself as a champion of national security.

The Israeli stock exchange may be thriving, but it’s not just about numbers – it’s also about optics. As long as Netanyahu can maintain this image of strength, he’ll continue to reap the rewards of war. His supporters will see him as a hero, while his opponents will be seen as weak for opposing him.

White House envoys’ efforts are ultimately doomed to fail until they address the deeper issue: why Netanyahu is so invested in maintaining the status quo. Until then, any attempts at brokering peace will continue to fall flat. The Israeli prime minister’s war for survival has become a self-perpetuating cycle – one that requires a more nuanced understanding of Netanyahu’s motivations and the public’s perception of reality.

It’s not just about the peace plan or the conflict with Hamas – it’s about Netanyahu’s own future. As long as he can maintain this image of strength, he’ll be able to keep his grip on power, no matter the costs to Israel’s economy or its international relationships.