Netanyahu’s Quest for a Legacy Beyond Ben-Gurion or Zionist History’s Dustbin

Written by – Elijah J. Magnier:

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, has meticulously worked out a strategy since he decided to launch an invasion of Gaza. He has a clear vision of the outcome of the operation and his ultimate goals, regardless of attempts by American and European authorities to moderate his actions and alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population.

Netanyahu has employed a range of tactics, starting with not justifying his initial failure to anticipate and secure control of Gaza on 7 October, accusing the security establishment and the army for the breach and failure to secure the settlements and the settlers. He strategically included his formidable political rival, Benny Gantz, in a limited capacity in the mini-war cabinet, only to effectively sideline him without firing him outright after a few months of war.

Netanyahu appears to be leaking information about his vision of post-Gaza intentions or the possibility of agreeing to a new conditioned initiative for a temporary ceasefire. This move could potentially facilitate the release of Israeli and Palestinian prisoners on several intervals at an acceptable reduced cost. But his determination to resume hostilities thereafter stems from a desire to carve out a prominent place for himself in Zionist-Israeli history, surpassing even David Ben-Gurion and using Palestinian bloodshed as a means to that end.

As the founder of the Hebrew state, Ben-Gurion, of Polish descent, was inspired by the seminal work of Theodor Herzl, the secular progenitor of Zionism, under the motto: “If you want it, this hope will not be just a dream”. He founded the Israeli Labour Party (Ahdut Haavodah). He headed the executive committee of the Jewish Agency in Palestine, which joined forces with the Haganah party to fulfil the mandate of the Balfour Declaration and encourage the most significant Jewish immigration to lay the foundations of a Jewish state on Palestinian land.

In the period leading up to and following the creation of Israel, Jewish groups in Palestine were transformed into organised and terrorist armed factions (Stern Gang – Lehi) resulting in the destruction of over 675 out of 774 Palestinian towns and villages. This process resulted in the significant Palestinian urban centres becoming predominantly Jewish and the displacement of many Bedouin tribes from the Negev desert. Notable massacres and extreme violence included the destruction and exodus of Palestinians in Jerusalem, Haifa, Balad al-Sheikh, Abbasiya al-Khasas, Bab al-Amoud, Sheikh Brik, Balad al-Sheikh, Semiramis Hotel, Arab Saraya, Old Saraya, Yazur, Tira, Sa’sa, al-Salam Building, Deir Yassin, al-Lajjun. Umm Al-Shouf and Al-Safsaf.

Ben Gurion’s establishment of collective farming communities (kibbutzim) and engagement with ultra-Orthodox Jews on issues of state and religion were, despite socialist tendencies, key actions that profoundly influenced Israeli domestic politics and social structure. Furthermore, he worked for the establishment of the Israeli military and the strengthening of Israel’s international standing were also significant achievements. He served as prime minister for 15 consecutive years. During that time, the Nakba, a period of great sorrow and displacement for the Palestinians, occurred, while Israel hailed him as a founding father.

Benjamin Netanyahu, who has served longer than Ben-Gurion, has overseen numerous military operations in Gaza, enhanced Israel’s global standing, fostered growth in the technology sector and pursued a more nationalist agenda. His efforts to normalise relations with several Arab states through the Abraham Accords mark a significant departure from previous policies.