Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
On the politics of victory and defeat: how Gaza dethroned the ‘king of Israel’
In his long reign, Benjamin Netanyahu dragged politics to the right – now his nationalist tough-man image has been broken not by political rivals, but by the unprecedented unity of the Palestinian resistance, writes RAMZY BAROUD
Benjamin Netanyahu

WITH a total of 15 years in office, Benjamin Netanyahu surpassed the 12-year leadership of Israel’s founding father, David Ben Gurion.

How did Netanyahu manage to become Israel’s longest-serving prime minister?

The answer to this question will become particularly critical for future Israeli leaders who hope to emulate Netanyahu’s legacy, now that his historic leadership is likely to end.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Israeli army vehicles moves in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel on July 6, 2025
Features / 8 July 2025
8 July 2025

RAMZY BAROUD highlights a new report by special rapporteur Francesca Albanese that unflinchingly names and shames the companies that have enabled Israel’s bloody massacre in Gaza

An Israeli Defense Forces tank is towed near the Israel-Gaza border, southern Israel, June 26, 2025
Features / 1 July 2025
1 July 2025

Israel’s genocide in Palestine and wars against its neighbours would be impossible without constant Western support — so we must amplify the brave voices demanding a halt, argues DR RAMZY BAROUD

Masked fans form a ‘Free Palestine’ sign during a Champions League match at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, October 1, 2024
Football / 11 June 2025
11 June 2025

Fifa must be held to account over its continued support for Israel, writes RAMZY BAROUD

Israeli troops move with APC, armored personnel carrier, near the border with Gaza, in southern Israel, May 8, 2025
Features / 15 May 2025
15 May 2025

RAMZY BAROUD on how Israel’s narrative collides with military failure

Similar stories
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ne
Features / 21 January 2025
21 January 2025
Unlike previous military campaigns in Gaza, there is no significant strand of Israeli society claiming victory, and a political crisis long-brewing has now reached crisis point, argues RAMZY BAROUD
Features / 6 January 2025
6 January 2025
The Israeli PM has won political favour by repeatedly playing the victim card – but when the war on Gaza ends this kind of manoeuvring will no longer suffice in order to maintain his coalition, says RAMZY BAROUD
SETTLER VIOLENCE: Mourners in the West Bank city of Bethlehe
Features / 5 September 2024
5 September 2024
RAMZY BAROUD exposes the growing rift between Israel’s religious zealots and its security establishment, as Kahanist ideology and growing settler violence begin to destabilise the delicate balance of the occupation regime