A Blood Pact: How Netanyahu and Hamas Sustain Each Other

For over a year and a half, Israel has been caught in a kind of political and military limbo, one that has proven more enduring than the stated objectives of the war, and more resilient than Prime Minister Netanyahu's hollow promises of "total victory." At the heart of this deadlock lies a disturbing mutual dependence: both Hamas and Netanyahu need one another for their political survival.

As I’ve argued in the past, Hamas sees Netanyahu as a guarantee of its continued existence; whether in Gaza or in exile. The reason is simple: without Netanyahu, a more decisive leader could emerge; one who might truly set out to eliminate the organization once and for all.

For Netanyahu, Hamas represents his political insurance policy. So long as Hamas exists, the conflict can continue; meaning no true ceasefire, no commission of inquiry, and no accountability. What we are witnessing is not merely stagnation, but a deliberate equilibrium: a shared interest in sustaining a state of perpetual crisis.

But time is running out. Europe has already lost its patience. And America’s resolve is beginning to crack.

Each side continues to posture. Netanyahu uses the hostages as political cover and a pretext for prolonging the war. Hamas, in turn, uses Gaza’s civilian population as both a shield and a bargaining chip. Meanwhile, to ensure Hamas remains in place, Netanyahu quietly facilitates the transfer of aid and supplies to Gaza; as one would do when trying to preserve a political asset rather than destroy an enemy.

At the same time, Netanyahu enjoys another strategic advantage: the Israeli opposition. Their calls to accept Hamas’s terms make them appear weak. But Netanyahu’s position is arguably worse: he feeds Hamas while pretending to fight them. Yet paradoxically, his voters still view him as the embodiment of the political right.

This grotesque tango between Netanyahu and Hamas has been playing out since October 7. It is a choreographed war, staged in multiple acts, fueled by the false promise of “total victory.” Meanwhile, IDF reservists are burning out, Gaza remains in the hands of its previous rulers, Jews are not resettling the area, and as always with Netanyahu - Arabs and the left come out on top.

It’s not an accident. It’s a blood pact.