Why has Israel started the massacre in Gaza again?

Israel has launched a new attack on Gaza. More than 400 Gazans have been killed in the Israeli attack on Tuesday, breaking the ceasefire, including more than 100 children. Since the beginning of the conflict,

this was Israel's most serious politically motivated military action. In addition to the attack, Israel has also issued new orders for Gazans to leave their homes. As a result, thousands of individuals in Gaza are being forcibly relocated. Even Amos Harel,

a moderate military commentator for the Israeli media outlet Haaretz, considers the attack on Gazans that began last Tuesday to be a war launched in the interests of Prime Minister Netanyahu's government.

Both the type of attack and the attack itself are thought to be connected to recent political developments in Israel. The attack seems to be related to three things. One. Netanyahu's political survival. Two. His authority over the police and military. Three. Trying to keep allies happy without provoking the public.

The fight to preserve the government

Netanyahu must pass the budget by the end of this month. If this is not done, his government will fall and new elections will be held. If the budget is passed, Netanyahu's government will survive until October 2026. Therefore, his government's success in passing the budget is crucial.

There is no clear indication so far that the budget will not be passed in parliament next month. However, Netanyahu is worried about the United Torah Judaism Party, a partner in his coalition government. The ultra-Orthodox members of this party, which consists of Ashkenazi Jews, could hinder the passage of the budget.

The United Torah Judaism Party's eight seats are very important for the survival of Netanyahu's coalition government. The party has already proposed a bill that exempts ultra-Orthodox youth from compulsory military service. If the Netanyahu government does not support the bill, the party could block the passage of the budget.

For this reason, Netanyahu's government needs to be strengthened. For two weeks, it has been rumored that Itamar Ben-Gavir, Israel’s former national security minister, is returning to Netanyahu’s cabinet. The leader of the Jewish Power party resigned in January after the ceasefire was approved.

Hours after Tuesday’s attack on Gaza, Ben-Gavir announced that his party was indeed returning to the government. Because their demand to resume the war had been met.

This means that the budget will now pass even if the Judaism party votes against it. That’s a cash windfall for Netanyahu.

The Trump Factor

Trump also has a major role to play in the renewed killing spree in Gaza. Netanyahu met with President Donald Trump in the United States in February. Since returning from there, Netanyahu seems to be vigorously following the US president’s worldview, which has no regard for international norms or laws.

Since returning from the United States, Netanyahu has begun a massive purge of opponents from Israel’s most important institutions.

In the meantime, top positions in the army and the national intelligence agency, Shin Bet, have been reshuffled. Harzi Halevi has been replaced by Eyal Zamir, the new army chief. His appointment was approved a week after Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.

Beginning in March, Zamir assumed office. Judging by his actions, he seems to be acting as Netanyahu’s political envoy to the army.

Zamir has already removed Daniel Hagari, the spokesman for the Israeli military. He was critical of the government’s work. The crucial Southern Command, which is in charge of the Gaza conflict, has been given to Yaniv Asor as its new leader. The Army Personnel Department was previously led by Yaniv Asor. During that role, he prevented Netanyahu from conscripting ultra-Orthodox members of the army.

Itzik Cohen has been appointed to a senior position in the Operations Directorate. He is one of the top officials responsible for the massive destruction in Gaza. The changes in the army favor Netanyahu.