Netanyahu's Gamble Backfires: Hamas Strikes Back
A Decade-Long Policy Crumbles
For years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pursued a controversial policy of bolstering Hamas in Gaza, believing that a strong but not overly dominant Hamas would keep the region stable and protect Israel's security interests.
Operation Protective Edge
However, Netanyahu's gamble has backfired spectacularly in recent weeks. Hamas has launched a barrage of rockets into Israel, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians. In response, Israel has launched a ground offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 Palestinians, according to Israeli officials.
Netanyahu Under Fire
Netanyahu's opponents have criticized his longstanding policy towards Hamas, arguing that it emboldened the militant group and paved the way for the current crisis. Some have even accused Netanyahu of actively propping up Hamas in order to weaken other Palestinian factions.
Broad Support for Ground Offensive
Despite the heavy Palestinian casualties, there is broad support in Israel for the ground offensive. Public opinion polls show that a majority of Israelis believe that the operation is necessary to protect the country from Hamas attacks.
Political Fallout
The current conflict is likely to have significant political fallout for Netanyahu. His opponents will use it to discredit his policies and challenge his leadership. The conflict could also weaken Netanyahu's international standing, as criticism of Israel's actions continues to grow.
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