“Yedioth Ahronoth”: A Political Failure and a Growing US-“Israel” Rift

By Al-Ahed News

In a review published in “Yedioth Ahronoth”, "Israeli" writer Avi Issacharoff clarified that this is not necessarily a political or historic failure, nor is it an unprecedented crisis between "Israel" and the US. However, the mere fact that members of the US administration entered into agreements for the release of Idan Alexander through direct negotiations with Hamas reflects a widening gap between the two countries. The US decision not to wait for the "Israeli" side and, instead, to sign a limited agreement with Hamas is evidence of the colossal failure of "Israel's" political leadership. This time, there isn't even a security echelon to blame. Netanyahu [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] cooked the stew, and we are all forced to swallow it.

US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Adam Boehler, emphasized the dramatic shift by stating: “While he portrays the US role in securing the release of all the ‘kidnapped’, Netanyahu and his team appear, in the eyes of most of the ‘“Israeli” public’ [settlers], to be trying to sabotage the deal by any means necessary. In fact, Netanyahu tried—and will likely continue to try—to delay or undermine any deal that leads to the release of all the "kidnapped" in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza. In contrast, President Trump is determined to achieve a major breakthrough involving a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the ‘kidnapped’”.

Issacharoff continued: “At first glance, it seems to reflect a clash of interests and rising tensions between the two sides. But if Netanyahu accepted the offer presented by Wyethcoff and committed to a long-term ceasefire along with the release of all the ‘kidnapped’, there's a good chance such a move would bring about a tactical shift in the Middle East—and potentially even a shift in public opinion toward Netanyahu. The majority of the ‘“Israeli” public’ [settlers] would welcome this development, even if it meant temporarily halting hostilities with Hamas. The public would likewise support a broader political arrangement that included normalization with Saudi Arabia. But for that to happen, Netanyahu would have to ignore the threats by Ben Gvir and Smotrich to topple the government—a move he does not appear willing to make. At present, he prefers preserving his ruling coalition over securing a meaningful political achievement for “Israel’”.

The writer added: “A large-scale military invasion might serve Netanyahu politically in the short term, allowing him to cling to power. But it will do nothing to help ‘Israel’ or Netanyahu in the next elections, scheduled for October 2026. Instead, it will result in more dead soldiers and ‘abducted’ individuals, global condemnation, and the killing of thousands of Palestinians—some of whom could be innocent—only to bring the situation back to square one. The ‘Israeli’ military will clear out parts of the Strip temporarily due to exhaustion and manpower shortages, and Hamas will return to its base. The Chief of Staff and the military establishment understand this—and perhaps even Netanyahu does too. Unless a new governing authority is installed over Hamas in Gaza, the group will continue to survive and operate from there.”