Gaza deal should benefit Netanyahu in short term, but he is critically exposed

Israeli PM must appease his coalition to avoid fresh elections, as well as reckoning with unpredictable Trump

The nature of Israel’s febrile coalition politics has long favoured theatrics. The standing and psychology of its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, adds a further element of panic and cynical calculation.

All those characteristics were in evidence as Israel and Hamas edged towards a ceasefire deal, particularly in Netanyahu’s struggle to triangulate his portrayal of an agreement that has the potential to damage him politically.

Continue reading...