Ten years ago, Benjamin Netanyahu bluntly stated that “peace with the Palestinians is not possible.” When asked whether Israel would “live forever with a sword in hand,” he responded, “Yes.” At the time, this statement caused an uproar. Today, however, it almost seems self-evident.

As noted in an extensive analysis by The Economist, after 15 months of war in Gaza, Israel has weakened Hamas, dealt significant blows to Hezbollah, and disrupted Iran’s alliance network in the region. Iranian missiles were intercepted, and Iran’s air defense systems were targeted.

But Israel has not stopped there. It is now making moves that signal a strategy of dominance: consolidating control over territories both inside and outside its borders, planning strikes on Iran, and considering the annexation of the West Bank.

A Shift in Strategy – From Deterrence to Total Confrontation

The Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, and the trauma it inflicted on Israeli society have transformed Israel’s approach. What was once a strategy of limited engagements has now turned into permanent military presence, territorial expansion, and rejection of any form of restraint.

These ambitions are not only military but also political. The far-right faction backing Netanyahu openly pushes for Israeli resettlement in Gaza and full annexation of the West Bank. Some extremists even envision a “Greater Israel” stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates. While this remains a minority view, it is an increasingly influential one.

Netanyahu himself may not share their biblical vision, but he relies on their support for his political survival. Staying in power means keeping his extremist allies close. The renewed war in Gaza secured his parliamentary majority to pass the 2024 budget on March 25—without it, early elections would have been triggered.

Expansion into Syria – New Tensions in the North

Israel has taken control of parts of southern Syria, including sections of Mount Hermon. Although Damascus has remained relatively quiet, Israel’s presence has sparked strong reactions. The strategy appears to be aimed at supporting minority groups, such as the Druze, to destabilize efforts to restore stability in Syria under Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

At the same time, Israel’s cooperation with the U.S. is openly targeting Iran. Netanyahu is pressing for a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and U.S. intelligence suggests such an attack is possible within the next six months.

The Cost of Strategic Dominance

Israeli society is showing signs of fatigue. Annual surveys from the Israel Democracy Institute reveal a sharp decline in public trust in institutions. In 2018, 55% of Israeli Jews believed the country was on the right track; today, that number has plummeted to just 11%.

The military is also under strain: 33% of reservists have served over 150 days, while new recruitment rates range between just 60-70%. Meanwhile, the latest budget increases military spending by 75%, reaching $29 billion—sparking backlash due to cuts in social benefits and wages.

No External Restraints

Israel’s traditional allies, such as the U.S., have done little to curb its aggressive policies. Former President Donald Trump, now back in office, not only refrained from pressuring Netanyahu but even floated a controversial plan to turn Gaza into a tourist resort—drawing international ridicule.

The possibility of a strike on Iran remains open. Washington is waiting to see Tehran’s stance on the JCPOA nuclear agreement. If no deal is reached by October, sanctions could be reimposed—potentially leading to a joint Israeli-American military operation.

Israel seems to be pursuing the dream of absolute security by eliminating every potential threat. But this approach comes at a high internal and international cost. The key question remains: Can Israel sustain its dominance without ultimately destabilizing itself?

For the Palestinians, who are currently at their weakest, history is far from over. Whether through diplomacy or armed resistance, their struggle will persist. For Israel, while the path of confrontation may seem viable now, the price is already becoming evident.