August 4th, 2025 - From Victory in Iran to Crisis in Gaza: Netanyahu Fails to Seize Opportunity to End the War

When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led the country to a military victory over Iran in June, it was hailed as his greatest achievement by both supporters and critics. This success appeared to give him the political leverage needed to push through a ceasefire in Gaza, despite opposition from his far-right coalition partners. However, just six weeks later, Netanyahu has failed to seize that opportunity, with talks between Hamas and Israel deadlocked once again.

Instead of pursuing a phased approach to ending the war, Israel is now pushing for a single, comprehensive deal. Yet, like Hamas, Netanyahu has been unwilling to make the necessary compromises for a lasting peace agreement. As a result, the political capital he gained in June has quickly dissipated, both domestically and internationally.

The mounting starvation crisis in Gaza, largely attributed to Israel's 11-week blockade of the territory, has sparked widespread condemnation. Many of Israel’s longstanding allies have joined the call for Palestinian statehood in protest of Israel's role in the humanitarian disaster. This diplomatic fallout has further isolated Netanyahu, weakening his position on the global stage.

Domestically, opposition to the Gaza war has reached unprecedented levels, with increasing demands for the return of hostages through diplomatic negotiations. Israel’s ability to sustain the war is being questioned, especially as military reservists grow fatigued, and the rise in suicides among reservists has prompted the military to establish a support committee. According to Michael Koplow, an analyst at the Israel Policy Forum, Israel is facing its most challenging moment in the conflict yet, grappling with military, diplomatic, and societal crises.

The prolonged Gaza conflict also highlights President Trump’s failure to use the leverage he gained during the Iran campaign to push Netanyahu toward peace. Analysts had expected Trump to demand an end to the Gaza conflict in exchange for his support in the Iran war. However, Netanyahu seems to have persuaded Trump to delay, allowing the conflict to drag on longer than necessary.

In summary, Netanyahu’s inability to resolve the Gaza conflict after gaining significant political capital earlier in the year has left Israel in a precarious position, both at home and abroad. With increasing opposition and dwindling international support, Netanyahu’s path forward remains uncertain.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Tapestry (noun, TAP-uh-stree) - A tapestry is a heavy textile characterized by complicated pictorial designs and used for hangings, curtains, and upholstery. In figurative use, tapestry may refer to anything made up of different things, people, colors, etc.

Example: The walls were adorned with handwoven tapestries.