Aluf Benn on Netanyahu’s Endgame: Why the War Keeps Going
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from September 11, 2025 | Israel in Crisis: Can the Two State Solution Be Resurrected? The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Aluf Benn—editor-in-chief of Haaretz and a leading voice in Israeli political analysis—examined why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears intent on prolonging the war in Gaza rather than pursuing a comprehensive ceasefire. Benn explored the Qatar strike, shifting hostage-deal terms, and the political logic that keeps Israel’s leadership on a path of escalation. His insights reveal how tactical moves serve broader goals of political survival, coalition management, and reshaping facts on the ground.
The Qatar Strike as Signal
Benn described Israel’s strike on Qatar as both militarily limited and politically symbolic. Officially aimed at Hamas leaders residing abroad, the attack also allowed Netanyahu to counter allegations of being too close to Doha—a country that has funneled money into Gaza and allegedly funded some of Netanyahu’s political allies through shadowy channels. By striking Qatar, Benn explained, Netanyahu could tell the Israeli public, “I’m not a stooge of Qatar. I’m bombing Qatar.” Even though the key Hamas leaders apparently survived, the act played well at home and complicated efforts at mediation.
Hostage Deals and Moving the Goalposts
Central to Benn’s analysis was Netanyahu’s handling of hostage negotiations. From the start, Netanyahu avoided a comprehensive swap of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages. Partial deals—returning some captives while continuing the war—suited his political calculus. When Hamas indicated willingness to accept one such deal, Netanyahu abruptly shifted the terms, demanding conditions Hamas could not meet. The result: negotiations stalled, hostages remained captive, and the conflict continued.
Why Prolonging the War Makes Sense to Netanyahu
Benn emphasized that Netanyahu has strong incentives to keep the war going. Politically, it delays elections that could threaten his hold on power. Coalition dynamics also benefit: hard-right partners remain united under wartime urgency. Strategically, Israel’s current operations—razing cities, pushing Gazans into smaller areas, and exploring “voluntary emigration”—reshape the territory in ways that align with long-term nationalist goals. In Benn’s words, Israel is “going city after city in Gaza,” with no genuine intent to reach a swift resolution.
U.S. Role and Air Cover
The United States, Benn noted, provides essential diplomatic cover. Even as Washington publicly expresses frustration with Israeli strikes, U.S. vetoes at the UN prevent meaningful international constraints. Trump-era support was especially decisive, offering Netanyahu both operational freedom and protection from International Criminal Court risks that limit his travel elsewhere. Without American backing, Benn argued, Israel could not have sustained the war at its current scale.
Life Inside Israel: Resilience Without Reckoning
While Gaza suffers devastating losses, daily life in much of Israel has stabilized. The shekel remains strong, the Tel Aviv stock exchange has thrived, and restaurants and beaches are full. The burdens fall most heavily on reservists, many of whom have been recalled for hundreds of days over the past two years. Despite growing fatigue, Benn observed, there is little mass protest demanding an end to the war. Instead, demonstrations focus narrowly on hostage return rather than halting the conflict.
What Could End the Cycle?
Could Netanyahu choose to end the war tomorrow? Benn believes yes—but at great political risk. Coalition partners would likely rebel, early elections could follow, and Netanyahu might be blamed for “failing to win.” Even with mounting casualties, Benn sees no imminent shift in the prime minister’s strategy. Only a fracture inside his coalition or a dramatic change in U.S. policy could alter the current trajectory.
What's Next?
Benn’s analysis paints a picture of a conflict sustained not just by military imperatives but by political calculation. Each move—the Qatar strike, hostage bargaining, delaying elections—fits into a broader endgame where prolonging war equals survival. As Benn concluded, Israel today is locked in escalation, not resolution, and understanding Netanyahu’s incentives is key to understanding why the war keeps going.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.