Members Of Netanyahu’s Own Party Say He Is Drawing Out Conflict With Hamas In Order To Hold Onto Power

The Times Of Israel reports:

Sources in the Likud party tell the Ma’ariv newspaper there are concerns Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is extending the fighting in Gaza because Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid currently holds the mandate to form the next government. “Netanyahu is drawing out the operation in Gaza because Lapid is holding the mandate,” a senior political adviser in the party says.

“He doesn’t seem to have a real desire to eradicate Hamas. Relations between the Arabs in Israel and Jews are being left in ruins,” the adviser says. “Netanyahu is galloping toward a fifth election and taking the country hostage.” Other elements in the right-wing bloc tell the newspaper that it is thought Netanyahu believes the conflict with Hamas will boost his image in fifth elections.

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“Netanyahu is drawing out the operation in Gaza because Lapid is holding the mandate,” a Likud source told Ma’ariv https://t.co/YosdQ7AYpv

— Alex Kane (@alexbkane) May 20, 2021