In a recent closed-door session of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced questioning from Knesset member Hili Trooper regarding allegations of betrayal within his government. Netanyahu attempted to evade the question but eventually admitted to a significant intelligence failure, denying any internal betrayal. Despite this, the very acknowledgment, albeit indirect, posed a risk to his political survival, highlighting the precarious nature of his leadership amid rising conspiracy theories regarding the events of October 7.

As the discourse around internal betrayal escalates, Netanyahu appears to be leveraging these theories to consolidate his power and discredit his opponents. His recent social media posts have suggested that officials like Ronen Bar are conspiring against him, alleging that Bar acted as a 'de facto prime minister' prior to the attack without notifying Netanyahu. This narrative serves a dual purpose: it attempts to shift blame away from his leadership and reinforce a victimhood stance, appealing to his base that believes in the need for a decisive and unified front against perceived internal enemies.

While Netanyahu's allies have confidence in his ability to avoid legal consequences through political maneuvering, challenges remain. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to confront legal obstacles in facilitating any pardons. This dynamic underscores the fractured political landscape, where conspiracy theories not only fuel Netanyahu's narrative but also deepen divisions within Israeli society, raising concerns about future violence and unrest as tensions continue to mount during this contentious period.