Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces criticism for the security failures that led to a Hamas attack and the deaths of 1,200 Israelis. His political position remains precarious due to a long-running corruption trial, unpopularity in opinion polls, and defiance of US efforts to create a postwar path to a two-state solution. Despite this, Netanyahu continues to navigate the complex landscape of Israeli politics, with no requirement for new elections until October 2026. His stance on Hamas remains unchanged, aiming for its elimination, even as Israel faces criticism from the International Court of Justice over its military conduct in Gaza.