Seventy-two percent of Israelis think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needs to resign over the failures of October 7, reflecting a domestic discontent that parallels Israel’s escalating offensives beyond its borders. Amidst this political backdrop, Netanyahu’s government has intensified military actions in both Gaza and Syria, further destabilizing an already volatile region.

Palestinian Crops Destroyed and Displacement Intensifies

In Gaza, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have deliberately targeted agriculture, destroying 70% of Palestine’s crops, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Reports indicate these actions align with what some experts describe as an ongoing campaign of “ethnic cleansing” aimed at decimating Palestinian livelihoods. 

On Sunday night, airstrikes in Khan Younis hit a shelter for displaced Palestinians, killing at least 15 people and injuring others. The cumulative death toll from the ongoing conflict has reached staggering figures, with speculation that the numbers may exceed 100,000 fatalities, a level of devastation Western leaders failed to anticipate.

Syria’s Military and Infrastructure Targeted

Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes have expanded into Syria, causing the destruction of 70% of Syria’s military capabilities in hundreds of attacks. These strikes, framed as necessary to combat Iranian-backed militias, come in conjunction with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic efforts to reshape post-Assad Syria. 

However, the bombings have not been limited to military targets, raising concerns over the indiscriminate nature of these operations and the long-term destabilization of Syria’s sovereignty.

Druze Israelis: Marginalization in Occupied Territories

The Golan Heights, primarily home to a population of approximately 50,000 Druze Israelis, has become a focal point for Netanyahu’s expansionist agenda. Despite being annexed by Israel in 1981—a move unrecognized by the international community—the Druze community, adherents of a distinct monotheistic religion with Islamic roots, continues to face systemic marginalization. Their faith remains unofficially recognized by the Israeli state, further excluding them from equitable participation in civic and national life.

Netanyahu’s recent announcement to double the Israeli population in the Golan Heights, through an expansion of settlements, compounds the community’s precarious position. This demographic push prioritizes Jewish settlement in the area, sidelining the interests and rights of the Druze population. Many critics see this as another layer of dispossession within the broader geopolitical and social dynamics of the region.

A Broader View of Escalation

Netanyahu’s dual-front strategy has led to intensified scrutiny from the international community. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the military campaigns in Syria are seen as interconnected efforts to consolidate power amidst waning domestic support. These actions have not only decimated essential infrastructures but also deepened historical grievances, with far-reaching consequences for regional stability.

As the world watches, the need for global accountability becomes increasingly urgent, both for addressing human rights violations and for fostering long-term peace.

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