Fulfilling the Conditions for Netanyahu’s Departure

Asharq Al-Awsat, London, March 22

The reign of Benjamin Netanyahu has been marked by a string of unprecedented mishaps, surpassing even the misdeeds of his predecessors dating back to Ben Gurion. Netanyahu’s divisive tactics have alienated everyone around him, as he mastered the language of violence and sought to silence all opposition. His tenure has seen record numbers of protests against him, as he clings desperately to power. Once envisioning a place for Israel under the sun, Netanyahu now finds himself and the country he leads shrouded in darkness. Haunted by the shadow of Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination, he has failed in his attempts to lead Israel to greatness. His misguided policies have led to economic, political, and social crises, leaving Israel in a state of turmoil. The events of October 7 marked a pivotal moment in Netanyahu’s crumbling career. Faced with a strike that shook his hold on power, he resorted to desperate measures in a bid to maintain control. His thirst for bloodshed only further tarnished his tarnished reputation. As Netanyahu grasps at straws to salvage his image, Israel teeters on the edge of collapse. Internal divisions have left the nation in disarray, with political, economic, and social structures crumbling. The inability to form a stable government has left Israel vulnerable, with tensions mounting between religious and secular factions. The external perception of Israel has been tarnished by Netanyahu’s brutal crackdowns and refusal to seek peace. International condemnation has mounted, as Israel faces legal battles in the International Court of Justice. The world watches with horror as Israel’s once-strong reputation is destroyed by Netanyahu’s reckless actions. It is clear that Netanyahu’s time is up. With the US losing faith in his leadership and internal divisions tearing Israel apart, his days are numbered. The future of Israel hangs in the balance, with Netanyahu’s departure seen as a necessary step toward stability. The only question that remains is when, not if, Netanyahu will finally be forced to step down. —Jamal Al-Kashki (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)