Middle East
Netanyahu Tightens Grip on Divided Israel With Return to War
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Israel says the resumption of deadly strikes in Gaza is aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas. It’s also tightened Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s grip on power and caused significant unease among swathes of the public.
Itamar Ben Gvir, a far-right minister, rejoined the ruling coalition in support of the return to fighting, swelling Netanyahu’s majority to 68 seats out of the 120 in parliament. That gives the country’s longest-serving premier greater freedom of action, though caused anxiety among Israelis concerned about the fate of hostages still held in Gaza and resumption of a war with no clear end.