The Israeli operation to rescue four living hostages in Nusseirat Camp, Gaza, has multiple implications for the internal situation in Israel, especially for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as pressure has increased on him in recent weeks. Israeli political analysts, in talks with Sky News Arabia, suggest that this operation might alleviate some of the pressure on Netanyahu, considering him the "biggest beneficiary" of what occurred. It allows him to continue the war without making any concessions in negotiations, especially with a slight decrease in opposition after the military achievements were praised.
According to Israeli estimates, Netanyahu benefits directly through four avenues, including hostages and military pressure. The Nusseirat operation reinforced Netanyahu's view that Israel cannot free hostages "without military pressure," which implies he will disregard the proposal announced by U.S. President Joe Biden regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and will be steadfast in his rejection of a permanent ceasefire, according to the analysts.
This was further confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister, who stated that Israel "does not surrender to terrorism and is working creatively and courageously to return the hostages held by Hamas," adding, "We are committed to doing that in the future as well... We will not rest until we complete the mission and bring all the hostages back home, whether they are alive or dead."
Political Science Professor Meir Mizrahi from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and a member of the Israeli Labor Party's Central Committee emphasized that "the release of the kidnapped will only be achieved through force, and all futile attempts to negotiate with terrorists will not be effective." He highlighted that the army has performed well, marking the third success in freeing living hostages since October 7, and Israelis are demanding more from it.
### Decline in Internal Criticism
Following the military operation, Netanyahu and military leaders received widespread praise. Several politicians expressed their happiness and sense of "victory" after the rescue of the four hostages in Nusseirat. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid conveyed his gratitude to the security forces that led the Nusseirat operation, saying, "All appreciation to the security forces for this bold operation that led to the return of the captives."
The Hostages' Families Forum described the operation as an "amazing victory," expressing thanks to the Israeli army for what they called a "heroic operation."
### Gantz Delays Resignation
Israeli war council member Benny Gantz, a staunch critic of Netanyahu, postponed a conference where he was expected to discuss his future in the emergency government. Gantz was widely expected to give a speech announcing his resignation from the emergency government after granting Netanyahu a deadline until June 8 to develop a clear strategy for the situation in Gaza. Gantz's departure would have deprived Netanyahu of support from the centrist bloc that has helped expand backing for the government both domestically and internationally, amid growing diplomatic and local pressures after eight months of the Gaza war.
### Maintaining the Coalition
Maintaining the government coalition is a primary goal for Netanyahu, especially after national security ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, threatened to bring down the coalition government if the Prime Minister entered into an agreement regarding Gaza that included ending the war without eliminating Hamas. With Netanyahu's insistence on a "military solution" to free the hostages and eradicate Hamas, his task with the coalition seems to be somewhat easier.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari stated, "Our mission will not end until the hostages return... Israel is determined to bring back the hostages by all means, and this is our message for negotiations this morning."
