Netanyahu Accused of Stalling Ceasefire to Time Gaza Offensive With Domestic Elections

Al Jazeera reported on May 25, 2026 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deliberately prolonging ceasefire negotiations and intensifying military operations in Gaza in alignment with the timing of upcoming domestic elections. The report draws a direct link between the escalation of Israeli offensive activity and Netanyahu's political calendar, with critics accusing him of prioritizing electoral considerations over a deal that could end the conflict. The accusation comes as Israel has increased strikes across Gaza and as ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States remain deadlocked. Opposition figures and international observers have warned that Netanyahu's government has used the war to suppress domestic political pressure from coalition partners, particularly the far-right bloc led by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, who have threatened to collapse the government if any ceasefire deal is reached.