Haaretz: Israel Cannot Afford Netanyahu's Appetite for Endless War

SadaNews - Writer David Rosenberg argues in an article published on the Hebrew website Haaretz that Israel is no longer able, economically and politically, to bear what he described as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appetite for open-ended and prolonged wars. He considers that the shift led by Netanyahu since the attack on October 7, 2023, has driven Israel into a state of "perpetual war readiness" that drains the economy and society, presenting heavy challenges to the future of the state.

Rosenberg points out that former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite his eagerness for confrontation with Iran, quickly recognized the dangers of getting involved in a long war, seeking to reduce U.S. engagement later on. However, Netanyahu, according to the writer, is moving in the exact opposite direction, becoming more inclined to expand military operations and maintain a constant readiness for new rounds of fighting.

Radical Change

The writer states that before the October 7 attack, Netanyahu was known for being cautious about engaging in long wars, preferring swift military operations that end with political settlements to minimize costs for Israel, recognizing that the Israeli economy cannot bear open conflicts and that the military, heavily reliant on reserve forces, is not designed for prolonged wars of attrition.

However, Rosenberg emphasizes that this approach has changed radically after the current war, citing the continued Israeli bombing of Beirut and what he described as Netanyahu's unspoken desire to resume attacks on Iran.

The writer believes that despite nearly three years of fighting against the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Hezbollah, and Iran, Netanyahu has not achieved what he calls a "complete victory," nor has he managed to eliminate the strategic threats facing Israel. Nevertheless, he continues to push for a policy that keeps Israel in a constant state of readiness for war, even if there are not continuous open confrontations.

The Financial Burden has Become Exhausting

Rosenberg notes that the cost of the war has become enormous for the Israeli economy, explaining that the first two years of war before the "Raging Lion" operation cost the government around $120 billion, according to estimates from the Bank of Israel. Additionally, the recent war with Iran has added at least another $12 billion in military and civilian spending, figures that the writer believes are likely lower than the actual costs.

The article adds that military spending continues despite the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, as Israel continues to occupy large areas of southern Lebanon and carry out strikes on targets belonging to Hezbollah, in addition to ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip and the presence of Israeli forces inside Syria, as well as increasing deployment in the West Bank.

According to Rosenberg, the financial burden of reserve forces alone has become exhausting, costing around $109 million monthly for every 10,000 reservists. The budget for 2026 anticipated 40,000 reservists on duty daily, but the actual number has now reached 100,000 soldiers on average, amidst the absence of any clear plan to exit the various combat zones.

Reasons for the Economy Bearing the Effects of War

Rosenberg adds that the Israeli economy has so far managed to bear the effects of war for several reasons, the first being the extensive experience of Israeli companies in dealing with wartime conditions, and the second being the psychological shock left by the events of October 7, which led large sectors of Israelis to regard war as a matter of national survival, regardless of economic costs.

The third reason, according to the writer, is that Israelis have not yet borne the full financial cost of wars, as U.S. military aid has covered a substantial part of expenses, while the remaining costs have been financed through government borrowing. However, the writer warns that this bill will later manifest through increased taxes or cuts in spending on education, health, and infrastructure.

The Impact on Israel's Image

The writer states that the ramifications of "perpetual war" are not limited to the economy alone, but also extend to Israel's international image, especially within the United States, as the war in Gaza and Israel's role in pushing Trump toward a joint attack on Iran have caused a decline in American public support for Israel, not only among Democrats and progressive movements but even within traditionally supportive Republican and Evangelical circles.

Rosenberg points out that this decline may eventually reflect on U.S. military aid itself, noting votes that took place in the U.S. Senate last month where a majority of Democratic party members supported resolutions aimed at halting arms sales to Israel, although these proposals ultimately did not pass.

The writer also highlights that Netanyahu himself has implicitly acknowledged the possibility of reducing American aid after the current aid agreement ends in 2028, and perhaps its complete absence later, which would exacerbate financial pressures on the Israeli economy.

The article confirms that Israel's public debt has risen significantly since the beginning of the war, having represented about 60% of GDP before October 7, but it has increased to approximately 69% by the end of 2025. The writer cites Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron as saying that fully implementing Netanyahu's military plan could push the debt ratio to 81% by 2035, and possibly to 83% if American support dwindles.