Netanyahu banks on political dividends as he restarts Gaza war

Israeli prime minister bows to pressure from far-right over majority who prioritise deals to bring back hostages

As the ceasefire in Gaza extended from days into weeks, and newly freed hostages began sharing grim details of their captivity, Benjamin Netanyahu's political room for manoeuvre seemed to shrink.

He was caught between the far-right parties propping up his government, keen to return to war in Gaza, and the majority of Israelis who prioritised the fate of the remaining hostages over the total defeat" of Hamas demanded by their prime minister.