During an interview with CNN, Alon Pinkas, the former Israeli Consul General in New York, discussed the recent escalations in Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. He attributed these developments, including the anticipated response to missile strikes from Iran, to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival instincts. “Netanyahu doesn’t want to end the war,” Pinkas stated to CNN anchor Lynda Kinkade.
Speaking from Tel Aviv, Pinkas elaborated, “Netanyahu aims to prolong the conflict to create a war-like atmosphere, which he finds politically advantageous and important.”
Netanyahu’s self-proclaimed image as the “Mr. Security” of Israel appeared irreparably damaged following the Hamas attack on October 7 last year. However, he managed to turn the situation around afterward.
The war aimed at eliminating Hamas continues to enjoy widespread public support in Israel, yet it raises complex issues related to long-term occupation, relations with Palestinians, and conflicts with neighboring countries, including Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran. The military objectives have now expanded to include Hezbollah, and Netanyahu’s cabinet is evaluating how to respond to the missile attacks launched by Iran.
Pinkas noted, “I have not seen Netanyahu taking any steps to end the war,” emphasizing that Netanyahu has consistently refused President Biden’s post-war plan for Gaza and declines to negotiate any ceasefire agreement for the release of hostages. He remarked, “He hasn’t even mentioned the hostages, even though there are still about 100 individuals being held in Gaza.”
According to Pinkas, Israel has already achieved its war goals, and a ceasefire in Gaza would be necessary to de-escalate tensions with Lebanon. However, he believes Netanyahu “legally but incorrectly refuses to acknowledge this logic.”
