Netanyahu prolonged the Gaza war largely to preserve his political power. The extensive six-month investigation, based on 110 interviews and internal documents, found that Netanyahu frequently prioritized his own survival and the stability of his fragile coalition above military or national interests17.
Personal and political calculations shaped wartime decisions. Netanyahu repeatedly extended the conflict when threatened with the potential collapse of his government. He delayed or derailed ceasefire opportunities, especially when his far-right coalition allies threatened to withdraw support if a truce was reached127.
Ceasefire opportunities were lost due to political risk. In April 2024 and again in early 2025, conditions for a ceasefire and hostage release were on the table, but Netanyahu rejected or withdrew from deals as his coalition partners objected. These missed opportunities prolonged the war, increased casualties, and worsened Israel’s international standing27.
Failure to plan for Gaza’s future led to military and diplomatic disarray. Netanyahu was reluctant to outline a clear postwar strategy to avoid domestic criticism and dissent within his coalition. This resulted in a chaotic military campaign and long-term uncertainty, allowing Hamas to persist17.
Earlier policies helped empower Hamas. Prior to the war, Netanyahu’s government allowed Hamas political space as a strategy to weaken Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which in hindsight facilitated Hamas’s preparations for the October 7 attack47.
Corruption charges influenced his motives. Out of office, Netanyahu would become vulnerable to ongoing legal prosecution for corruption. Staying in power allowed him to potentially influence legal proceedings against himself7.
International and regional diplomacy was affected. Ending the war could have enabled progress toward normalization with Saudi Arabia, but the continuation of hostilities and Netanyahu’s political maneuvering delayed or disrupted these prospects7.
Netanyahu’s decisions often bypassed formal government processes. Some ceasefire and negotiation plans were kept off official records and presented to ministers with little notice to avoid coordinated opposition7.
The article concludes that Israel’s Gaza war was prolonged not only by legitimate security concerns but also by Netanyahu’s intense drive to remain in power. This political dynamic led to missed opportunities for peace, an extended humanitarian crisis, and ongoing instability in the region1279.