Tensions Rise as Netanyahu’s Budget Battle and Palestinian Security Crackdown Unfold
Part of Netanyahu’s ruling coalition voted against his budget, while the Palestinian Authority fights Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Jenin.
Amid rapidly shifting forces in the Middle East, Israel’s ruling coalition and the governing forces of Palestinian society are facing challenges.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government narrowly passed a wartime austerity budget by a 59 to 57 Knesset vote. However, a dissenting cabinet member and his party members voted against it.
Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of the ultranationalist Otzma Yehudit party opposed the budget as he demanded the firing of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara due to her opposition to the reform of Israel’s Supreme Court.
The government’s proposed reform of the court, seen as too liberal and unaccountable, led to nearly a year of street protests, with even soldiers and generals threatening not to report for reserve duty.
On the West Bank, amid continued battles, Hamas has called for an uprising, not only against Israel but also against the Palestinian Authority (PA) that governs the region.
The PA’s security forces have been conducting operations against Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) following incidents in Jenin where authority vehicles were stolen, resulting in clashes and a car bomb detonation near a police station.
These events have led the United States to request Israel’s approval for the supply of weapons to the PA’s security forces.
With the PA governing the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, tension between the two sides escalates as reports suggest a Gaza cease-fire deal, possibly including the release of Israeli hostages, is nearing.
Israel has reiterated its stance against granting Hamas a role in Gaza’s future governance and seeks to resume combat to eliminate Hamas’s military and governing capabilities after pausing for the release of some hostages.
The balance of power in the Middle East has been shifting towards Israel, which has dealt with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran through strategic actions.
As for the internal challenges in Israel, Security Minister Ben Gvir’s opposition to the budget has created strains within Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, potentially leading to sanctions on his party.
Despite the tensions, Israeli leaders are navigating these complicated dynamics as they work towards stability and security in the region.
