What Would Happen If Netanyahu Dies?

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What Would Happen If Netanyahu Dies?
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Zaidoon Alhadid

Zaidoon Alhadid is a journalist and political commentator based in Amman.

Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, the Zionist leadership has been under unprecedented scrutiny, particularly following the deterioration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s health due to chronic conditions.اضافة اعلان

If we assume the scenario of his death due to his illness, it would raise numerous questions about the future leadership of the Israeli occupation and the impact of this event on the war in Gaza.

The Gaza war, which erupted after the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has become the focal point of politics within and beyond the Israeli state.

Netanyahu, who has been leading the war efforts from the outset, is integral to the occupation's military and political strategy.

His death could trigger significant changes in the trajectory of the war.

The first potential change is in military strategy. A shift in leadership could lead to noticeable alterations in the military escalation.

Some leaders might adopt a more aggressive stance towards Gaza, while others may pursue negotiations or alternative strategies to minimize losses.

If figures like Gideon Sa’ar or Avigdor Lieberman take charge, military operations may continue with greater determination. Conversely, others might explore de-escalation.

Netanyahu's death could also reshape how the international community engages with the war. Netanyahu has maintained strong relationships with the United States and other Western nations.

His successors might face greater challenges in sustaining these alliances, especially if they lean towards more extreme policies or confront domestic pressure to agree to a ceasefire.

In terms of negotiations and potential ceasefires, a more flexible leadership could lead to increased international pressure on Israel to reach a truce with Hamas or enter negotiations.

However, these negotiations could be complicated by the agendas of internal and external stakeholders, reducing the prospects for short-term peace.

Domestically, internal divisions would likely dominate. Netanyahu's absence could destabilize the unity of Israeli society, potentially leading to power struggles within the Likud Party among its leaders.

These conflicts could weaken Israel’s internal front in addressing security and political challenges.

Protests against the government, which had already been a significant feature of the political landscape, might also escalate following Netanyahu's death.

These could involve families of captives, human rights organizations, or opposition parties seeking to alter the political system.

Israel’s relationship with the international community, particularly the United States, could face uncertainty.

Under Netanyahu, Israel’s ties with the U.S. were notably strong. His death could usher in a period of ambiguity in these relations, with the U.S.

administration potentially adopting a more cautious stance towards a new Israeli government amid anticipated political changes.

In conclusion, Netanyahu’s death at this critical juncture would lead to a series of political and military shifts in Israel.

While it is unlikely to result in immediate, radical changes in Israel’s policies towards Gaza, it would have long-term implications for its political and security leadership.

The ripple effects of this event would also resonate in international relations, particularly given the complex dynamics between Israel and the global community.