Why Did Israel Resume Its Genocide in Gaza? The Political Deal Behind the Bloodshed
Israel has resumed its genocidal war on Gaza, killing over 400 people overnight, including children, babies, women, and men. Israeli media suggest that this massacre was carried out to persuade far-right leader Itamar Ben Gvir to rejoin the government, ensuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hold on power ahead of a crucial budget vote.
Ben Gvir’s Party Returns to Government
Ben Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, agreed to rejoin the government after his demands were met, which primarily included the continuation of the genocide. His party members will return to their ministerial positions, with Ben Gvir reassuming his role as Minister of National Security. Other members, including Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Amichai Eliyahu, will also reclaim their government roles.
Ben Gvir celebrated the renewed assault on Gaza, calling it a “necessary and justified” step to destroy Hamas and secure the return of Israeli prisoners.
The war’s timing was influenced by Netanyahu’s need to secure Ben Gvir’s support before the budget vote. The Israeli government dismissed these reports as “absurd lies” and insisted that military decisions were made independently of political needs.
The Budget Crisis and the War
Israel’s government is struggling with a financial crisis due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Israel’s budget for 2024, worth 584 billion shekels ($159 billion), has been delayed for weeks due to disagreements over spending cuts and the soaring costs of war. The Netanyahu government, led by the far-right coalition, faced pressure to pass the budget while avoiding major reductions to religious and security expenditures.
The genocide has significantly impacted Israel’s economy, leading to a record budget deficit and an economic contraction of 20.7% in the last quarter of 2023. Israel’s government spending in February 2024 reached an unprecedented 50 billion shekels ($13.62 billion). To address this, the new budget includes tax hikes, including an increase in VAT to 18%, higher duties on imports, and cuts to Arab community development funds, while increasing funds for religious institutions and military expenditures.
Passing the budget was crucial for Netanyahu’s political survival. Failure to do so could have destabilized his coalition. By resuming the genocide, Netanyahu secured Ben Gvir’s support, which was necessary to ensure the budget’s approval and maintain government stability.
Supreme Court to Review Ben Gvir’s Appointment
Ben Gvir’s return to the government faces legal challenges. A Supreme Court hearing on April 7 will decide whether he can legally reassume his role. Opponents argue that he abused his power by interfering with police operations, promoting violence, and making politically motivated appointments.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has hinted at potential opposition to his reappointment. In a letter to Netanyahu, she warned that any future decision to bring Ben Gvir back must be carefully reviewed.
