On October 7, as Hamas militants flooded Israeli communities and military camps near the Gaza border, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took considerable time to respond. However, he quickly recognized that the situation was not merely about security, but about his political survival. In this high-stakes scenario, Netanyahu aims to shape public opinion by controlling the narrative around the events, investing considerable effort to create an alternative, often distorted, version of what transpired.

This struggle for narrative dominance sheds light on Netanyahu's approach to governance during crises. Instead of addressing the immediate challenges posed by Hamas, he appears to focus on leveraging the conflict to reinforce his standing and justify his administration's decisions. By framing events in a way that serves his interests, Netanyahu hopes to maintain public support, which is crucial for his political future amidst growing scrutiny over his leadership.

The implications of Netanyahu's tactics extend beyond personal politics; they raise concerns about the blurring lines between civil governance and military operations in Israel. The ongoing conflict necessitates a united front, but Netanyahu's actions suggest a willingness to manipulate the situation for political gain, potentially undermining public trust in both the political system and the security apparatus.