Published Date: March 16, 2025 ✍️ Author: Global World Citizen News Team 🌍 Source: GlobalWorldCitizen.com
Netanyahu Faces Mounting Pressure from Courts and Opposition
On March 3rd, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu faced a particularly challenging day—one that highlighted his deepening legal and political struggles.
In the morning, Netanyahu took the stand in his long-running corruption trial, where he has been accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. By the afternoon, he was defending himself in the Knesset, as opposition lawmakers demanded an official commission of inquiry into the failures leading to Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.
Dismissing the allegations against him, Netanyahu lashed out at Israel’s security and intelligence officials, accusing them of conspiring against him. He compared their actions to what he called the “deep state” in the U.S., which he claimed had attempted to undermine former President Donald Trump.
“The cooperation between the deep state in the bureaucracy and the media failed in the United States and won’t succeed here,” Netanyahu declared.
This Trumpian rhetoric marks an escalation in Netanyahu’s ongoing attacks on Israel’s military and judicial institutions, a strategy that has divided the country and deepened tensions within his government.
Netanyahu’s Battle With Israel’s Security Establishment
Shifting Blame for October 7th
Netanyahu has refused to accept responsibility for Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel, instead placing the blame on Israel’s military and security agencies, particularly the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet (Israel’s domestic security service).
Clashes Over Gaza Strategy
Israel’s military and intelligence chiefs have repeatedly criticized Netanyahu for:
Failing to develop a post-war strategy for Gaza Delaying hostage negotiations with Hamas Prioritizing his political survival over military effectiveness
Removing Dissenting Voices
On March 5th, Netanyahu forced out IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, who had publicly accepted responsibility for the failures of October 7th. He replaced him with Eyal Zamir, a more loyal ally.
Shortly after, IDF Spokesman Rear-Admiral Daniel Hagari—who had criticized government policies—was also removed.
However, Netanyahu is struggling to get rid of two key officials:
Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet
Gali Baharav-Miara, the attorney general
Both were appointed by the previous government and cannot be easily dismissed, making them thorny obstacles in Netanyahu’s fight to control Israel’s security and legal system.
Corruption Allegations and a Growing Political Crisis
New Scandal Involving Qatari Payments
Netanyahu’s legal troubles have deepened with an investigation into allegations that his close advisers received payments from Qatar, which has been a key mediator in ceasefire talks with Hamas.
Judicial Clashes Intensify
Attorney General Baharav-Miara has opposed Netanyahu’s efforts to weaken Israel’s Supreme Court, as well as his push to exempt ultra-Orthodox men from military service.
Why Does This Matter? Forcing religious students to enlist could break Netanyahu’s fragile coalition, as ultra-Orthodox parties strongly oppose drafting young men studying the Torah. If Netanyahu loses their support, his government could collapse, leading to early elections.
Could Netanyahu’s Government Collapse?
As Netanyahu tightens his grip on Israel’s security institutions, U.S. officials have begun bypassing him and holding direct negotiations with Hamas in Qatar.
If the U.S. successfully negotiates an end to the war, it could undermine Netanyahu’s leadership and trigger the downfall of his government.
One Israeli political analyst put it bluntly:
“If Netanyahu cannot control the narrative, he will eventually lose control of the government.”
On March 12th, during a court hearing, Netanyahu erupted in frustration, declaring: “My family and I have been passed through the gates of hell!”
His words reflect the growing pressure he faces—not just in the courts, but also from political rivals, security officials, and even international allies.
With legal troubles mounting and public confidence in his leadership eroding, Netanyahu may soon face the reckoning he has fought so hard to avoid.
What’s Next for Netanyahu?
Will the U.S.-Qatar talks succeed in brokering a ceasefire? Can Netanyahu hold his coalition together despite rising tensions? Will corruption investigations lead to further legal action against him?
As Israel navigates one of the most turbulent moments in its history, all eyes remain on Netanyahu and his next move.