This brutal move gambles on the very future of Israel

Cynical Netanyahu now faces global isolation and a sprint to authoritarianism – only America can stop it

- By Sam Kiley

Benjamin Netanyahu believes he has finally found a solution for Gaza. Total reoccupation of the 365 sq km (141 sq miles) of territory and the mass evacuation of its population in a “takeover” that mutilates Israel’s internal democracy and risks placing it near the very top of pariah nations.

Benjamin Netanyahu believes he has finally found a solution for Gaza. Total reoccupation of the 365 sq km (141 sq miles) of territory and the mass evacuation of its population in a “takeover” that mutilates Israel’s internal democracy and risks placing it near the very top of pariah nations. This is a defining moment that could further divide Europe from America, where Donald Trump is reported to have been briefed in advance on the Gaza plan.

Israel’s military and intelligence establishment know that they’re being marched into a trap set by Hamas, but on Netanyahu’s instructions.

Hamas is opposed to a two-state deal that would create a Palestinian state alongside Israel because it wants the Jewish state to vanish. Israel’s further occupation of Gaza guarantees that a two-state solution is impossible.

Israel’s prime minister is interested, though, only in the short-term tactical survival of Israel’s prime minister. And he is prepared to risk Israel’s long-term survival to ensure it.

He doesn’t care that, as Israel rolls the tanks into Gaza City – which is set to be evacuated of all civilians by 7 October – Israel’s claims to be a democracy will be over. Worse still for Israel, given the international condemnation that has followed Netanyahu’s “forever war” decision, is that the Jewish state will inevitably face sanctions by the year’s end.

It is difficult to see how it will swerve the outrage Netanyahu will generate, given the worldwide collapse in support for Israel’s actions in Gaza so far.