Analyst Says Israel Cannot Bear the Heavy Burden of the War Caused by Netanyahu

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, TEL AVIV— Writer David Rosenberg, in an article published on the Israeli website Haaretz, assesses that Israel, both economically and politically, can no longer bear what he describes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s desire to continue engaging in open and prolonged warfare.

According to Rosenberg, the policy changes led by Netanyahu since the 7 October 2023 attack have driven Israel towards a permanent state of war readiness that drains the economy, fatigues society, and places the nation’s future under severe challenges.

Rosenberg notes that US President Donald Trump, although initially enthusiastic about confronting Iran, quickly realised the risks of involvement in prolonged warfare. Therefore, Trump subsequently sought to reduce US military involvement.

In contrast, Netanyahu is seen as moving in the opposite direction by continuously expanding military operations and always preparing for new rounds of conflict.

Before the 7 October attack, Netanyahu was known as a leader cautious about engaging in prolonged warfare. He preferred short military operations ended with political settlements to minimise Israel’s burden.

At that time, Netanyahu recognised that Israel’s economy was not designed to sustain open conflict over the long term, while its military heavily relied on reserve forces not prepared for total prolonged warfare.

However, according to Rosenberg, that approach changed drastically after the recent war. He cites Israel’s ongoing airstrikes in Beirut, as well as what he calls Netanyahu’s veiled desire to continue strikes against Iran.