Netanyahu's choices between career and reputation

After the October 7 attack, Netanyahu had two paths: start negotiations with Hamas or start a war of extermination of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The first path is simple and requires sophisticated negotiations, but it leads to the release of prisoners without wars in exchange for the release of a thousand prisoners, for example. At the same time, Netanyahu can order the formation of an investigation committee, appear above suspicion and ensure that those who are negligent are held accountable. In the first path, Netanyahu wins over the families of the prisoners and blocks the opposition. But Netanyahu chose the second path, which is to launch a war of extermination of the Palestinians, knowing in advance the consequences.

The second path was chosen from the first hours, and did not take time to think. Galant announced that he was dealing with human animals and would cut off water, food, electricity and communications to the Gaza Strip.

The results of the second choice came quickly and continue to this day for fourteen months: demonstrations all over the world, convictions and cases in the Supreme Court and the International Criminal Court, arrest decisions and a change in world public opinion, including inside America, especially among young people and universities, and massive demonstrations in Israel demanding an exchange deal.

Netanyahu and his group chose the second path because it is the only path through which Israel can regain its image of deterrence and the ability to suppress and control the entire region. Yes, it is the only path through which Israel can regain its function and the raison d'être of its existence. That function was questioned following the October 7 attack.

Netanyahu has given up on the prisoners and world public opinion, and exposed himself to arrest in order for Israel not to lose its job. That is why Netanyahu has been repeating from time to time: This is a fateful war.