Israel's Political and Security Challenges

Israel's fundamentalist minister Bezalel Smotrich is pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pursue all-out war against Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disciplined a Jewish minister for suggesting a nuclear strike on Gaza, sparking international concern. Netanyahu is facing political challenges, with support waning and security lapses exposed by Hamas gunmen. Jack Lew has been confirmed as the new US Ambassador to Israel, bringing his support for a two-state solution and criticism of Israel's conservative prime minister. Netanyahu is facing criticism from within his own party after blaming generals for security lapses that enabled the Hamas terrorist attacks.