Netanyahu's Actions Spark Fears of Unnecessary War, Journalist Warns

Journalist Einav Schiff, writing for ynet, expresses deep concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's potential to initiate a new war, citing a weakening of governmental checks and balances and escalating internal political conflict. Schiff argues that in the current climate, Netanyahu is the least trustworthy figure to make decisions that could send millions of Israelis into shelters.

The article posits that Israel's political system, designed for post-election government formation, relies on mutual respect for election results and cautious transitional periods. However, Schiff contends this system is compromised by Netanyahu's alleged willingness to undermine election integrity to retain power, using weak evidence and actions on election day involving the police. The rhetoric in pro-government media is described as increasingly aggressive, raising fears of it spilling into real-world violence.

Adding to the tension, Schiff notes reports of friction between political leadership and the IDF Chief of Staff regarding escalation initiatives with Iran. This confluence of factors, Schiff believes, warrants serious suspicion about the motives behind current events. The urgency of Knesset Member Gadi Eisenkot's appeal to the Prime Minister's office and the government's legal advisor is highlighted, though Schiff expresses concern about the response from Netanyahu's military secretary.

Further concerns are raised about the paralysis of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, with Netanyahu's bloc reportedly delaying a vote on appointing Avigdor Lieberman as its chairman. Schiff states Netanyahu has never had a reputation for upholding good governance, even in national security matters. The appointment of loyalists to lead the Mossad and Shin Bet is also questioned, with Schiff suggesting they are facilitating Netanyahu's agenda, including the alleged delegitimization of 21% of Israeli citizens by criminalizing their right to vote.

Schiff also calls for scrutiny of past and present intelligence and military leadership, referencing the aftermath of the last war with Iran, which resulted in a more radical regime in Tehran, an energy crisis, and strained relations with the U.S. While Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir might understand the difference between a necessary war and one without a public mandate, Schiff cautions against assuming his actions in a critical moment. The primary alarm, however, stems from Netanyahu's behavior since October 7th, which Schiff describes as a frightening impression of someone who stops at nothing, ignoring the consequences of not taking responsibility for the failures of that day, the damage to citizens' lives, and the erosion of strategic ties with the U.S. due to actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

The journalist concludes that the civil confrontation being fueled by Netanyahu and his supporters makes it plausible he could send people to shelters without sufficient cause or consensus. Schiff speculates that the absence of war might even be linked to elections, not necessarily Israeli ones, and that leaders elsewhere are making decisions without constitutional regard. The article ends with a rhetorical question about what it will take for the "change bloc" to form a government.