Netanyahu opens new front with Qatar strike – but his toughest battle is at home

Latest Israeli bombing is tied to keeping prime minister in power, as he and his far-right allies face growing anger over the fate of hostages

- Isabel Coles & Ruth Michaelson

For nearly two years, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the country is fighting on seven fronts. Last week he opened an eighth by targeting Hamas negotiators in Qatar, drawing a fresh wave of international condemnation.

But the most decisive front he is fighting on may be closer to home. Faced with increasing Israeli isolation on the world stage, Netanyahu is doubling down on his base.

"If you want to understand the strategy of the state of Israel, it's all about the strategy that will keep Netanyahu in power for the longest time," said Gideon Rahat, a professor of political science at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. "It's all about the political fate of Netanyahu."

The prime minister is not the only member of Israel's cabinet whose position is being driven by electoral politics. Two far-right ministers - finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir - are fighting for their political futures too. From rival parties, they are competing, fishing from the same pool of extremist voters.

Smotrich has proposed annexing the West Bank and occupying Gaza. Ben-Gvir wants Jewish Israelis resettled in the Palestinian enclave.