Netanyahu: A ravaging force in Middle East

In the tumultuous landscape of Middle Eastern politics, few figures have stirred as much controversy and condemnation as Benjamin Netanyahu, the long-serving Prime Minister of Israel. While it is essential to approach discussions about political figures with nuance and objectivity, most of the critics have vehemently characterised Netanyahu as a metaphorical "rabid dog" with insatiable thirst for conflict.
The analogy paints a stark picture of a leader who appears relentless in pursuing his political objectives, often at the cost of lives on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The accusations against Netanyahu are grave, encompassing his alleged disregard for international laws, borders, and even basic humanitarian principles.
As the Israeli prime minister is driven to desperation because of domestic as well as international compulsions, he has resorted to the blame game, going to the extent of saying that the mediation of Qatar is “problematic”. In fact Qatar has stepped in many times, succeeding in mediating between the Israelis and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, leading to the release of over 100 Israeli captives. Qatar is even at this moment engaged in intensive diplomacy for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners.
To add to Netanyahu’s foolish comments, his ultranationalist, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has accused Qatar of supporting “terrorism”.
The Israeli leader’s reckless killing of the people of Gaza was censured by the World Court yesterday when it ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide against the Palestinians and do more to help civilians. The ruling represented a legal setback for Israel, which had hoped to throw out a case brought under the genocide convention. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that there was a case to be heard about whether Palestinian rights were being denied in a war it said was causing grievous humanitarian harm.
Netanyahu's handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has heaped miseries on the Palestinians and driven the Middle East to the verge of a broader conflict. Critics argue that his approach mirrors the brutality seen in extremist groups like the ISIS. They claim that both entities exhibit a lack of recognition for borders, international laws, and even the sanctity of human life, as evidenced by the targeting of women, children, and journalists.
Furthermore, Netanyahu's criticisms of international bodies such as the Red Cross and the UN court, along with his disdain and criticism for countries like Qatar, which is an acclaimed mediator, have raised eyebrows and fueled the narrative of a leader unwilling to engage in constructive dialogue or cooperate with global institutions aimed at mitigating, in the present context, the Gaza conflict.
The economic impact of Netanyahu's policies on his own people after he waged war on Gaza is another contentious issue. Accusations of causing economic loss and sowing division and hatred within Israeli society have been leveled against him. Some argue that these actions not only harm the citizens he leads but also contribute to the perpetuation of an atmosphere conducive to international crime.
The weaponisation of basic necessities, such as water, food, and medicine to the hapless population of Gaza, is a severe allegation that likens Netanyahu to notorious figures like the IS leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Critics contend that such tactics, cutting off essential supplies, only escalate tensions and deepen the suffering of innocent civilians, further exacerbating the already volatile situation in the region.
To address the perceived problems associated with Netanyahu's leadership, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza is necessary. The Israeli Prime Minister may require psychological and psychiatric treatment for himself and the members of his cabinet, particularly the far right members. This proposal underscores the belief among some critics that Netanyahu's policies and actions may be driven by factors beyond the geopolitical realm, possibly indicating a need for mental health intervention.
The urgency to find a solution to the long standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and fostering a more constructive approach to regional diplomacy is all the more imperative in the light of the International court’s verdict yesterday. The hope remains that a collective effort can be made to bring about a lasting peace that benefits all parties involved, and most importantly, safeguards the well-being of the innocent Palestinian civilians