Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu — on trial over charges of corruption — will once again use the conflict to rally people against what he calls ‘a vile enemy’

Palestinians inspect the rubble of the destroyed Al-Shorouq tower after an Israeli strike in Gaza City (Image: EPA/Mohammed Saber)

Another flare-up between Israel and the Palestinians is the inevitable result of Israeli political dysfunction and Palestinian perseverance.

Israel hasn’t had a stable government for years after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu successfully dragged his country through four elections without a clear result. Despite standing trial on corruption charges, his Likud Party still received the highest number of seats in the March election — but not enough to lead a majority in the Knesset.

The current dangerous escalation between Israel and Hamas, with dozens of Palestinians and Israeli citizens killed and a breakdown in Jewish and Arab cities, plays directly into Netanyahu’s hands. He’s a nationalist leader who can rally his people under slogans of standing “united in the face of a vile enemy”.

How is global opinion on the Israel-Palestinian situation changing? Keep reading.

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