The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has revealed a growing divide between the Israeli military and the government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the military and secular Israelis support conscription for ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students and are critical of the conduct of the war, the government, influenced by the far-right, has different priorities. The far-right’s dominance within the government, represented by ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, has led to their veto power over national policy, including decisions regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza. The influence of the far-right within the military is also growing, with reports suggesting that a significant percentage of infantry officers come from hardline religious Zionist communities aligned with the far-right’s worldview. This influence has led to concerns about the military’s actions in the West Bank, where settlers view the land as theirs by divine right. Critics point to the military’s near-daily raids and attacks on Palestinians as evidence of the far right’s increasing control over the armed forces. Despite signs of war fatigue and criticism from both the military and the government, the conflict between Israel and Gaza shows no signs of abating, with the military facing challenges of underfunding, understaffing, and a lack of clear victory. The influence of the far-right within Israeli institutions and the government’s focus on political survival over military success further complicates the situation.
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What is the extent of the separation between Israel’s military and government? | Updates on Israel-Palestine conflict
