Hebrew press reports issued today, Saturday, confirmed that history will record Benjamin Netanyahu as the worst prime minister to lead Israel since its establishment. Sources clarified that this assessment is not based solely on the major security failure on October 7, 2023, but also extends to include the exorbitant economic costs that Israeli society will bear as a result of the policies pursued.
Sources indicated that the aura with which Netanyahu surrounded himself throughout his political career as a 'security man' has completely evaporated in the wake of the defeat that occurred under his direct responsibility. They considered that these events constituted a turning point that led to a loss of confidence in his ability to provide protection, leaving his political image vulnerable before the Israeli public.
Since that date, Israelis have entered one of the most dangerous and complex security periods, with the current threat described as the worst the entity has faced in two full generations. This security deterioration has not stopped at military borders but has directly impacted the stability of the home front and the general sense of security.
On the financial front, reports noted that the Ministry of Defense's budget has reached unprecedented levels, necessitating harsh tax increases on settlers. These policies have also led to a sharp reduction in public services and an exacerbation of public debt, which will have deep negative effects on living standards for many years to come.
In a related context, sources reminded that the October 7 attack carried out by the Palestinian resistance came in response to continuous violations against holy sites and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Former security and military officials considered that the way that attack was handled represented a grave intelligence failure, which prompted some of them to resign and acknowledge responsibility.
Netanyahu's crises are not limited to domestic issues but extend to the international arena, where he has been wanted to appear before the International Criminal Court since 2024. The Israeli leadership faces accusations of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity against Palestinians, which further increases the current government's international isolation.
Last March, the Israeli Knesset approved a massive budget for 2026, amounting to approximately 850.6 billion shekels, equivalent to 271 billion dollars. This budget is the largest in the country's history and reflects the enormous military spending that has drained state resources at the expense of civilian sectors.
Regarding the political map, the latest opinion polls showed a sharp decline for Netanyahu's right-wing bloc compared to the opposition's advance. According to the data, the opposition is capable of forming a new government by securing 62 seats in the Knesset, while Netanyahu's bloc would only have 48 seats if elections were held today.
Upcoming elections are expected to be an exceptional event, being the first since 1988 that may be held on their constitutional date without being brought forward. This comes after the current Knesset completed its full term, despite political storms and widespread protests demanding the current government's departure and early elections.
It is worth noting that the current Knesset is the twenty-fifth in the history of the entity established on the ruins of displaced Palestinian cities and villages in 1948. Despite international resolutions, Israel continues to refuse to withdraw from the occupied territories or allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, adhering to the expansionist and settlement policies led by the far-right.
Netanyahu's failure will not only be measured by the events of October 7 but also by the exorbitant economic price Israel will pay.
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Haaretz: Netanyahu will be remembered as the worst prime minister in Israel's history