Express View on Israel’s latest offensive: A mounting toll

Contrary to the aphorism, not all is fair in war. In the immediate aftermath of the brutal October 7 attacks by Hamas, Israel had the sympathy of a broad swathe of the international community. The besieged Benjamin Netanyahu government — the ruling alliance was in tatters, and there were widespread protests against laws seen as curtailing an independent judiciary — also got a lease of life as Israelis were united in outrage and grief. Now, nearly six months into Israel’s retaliation, the government is increasingly seen as using that grief as a pretext to act with impunity. Just over the last week, three incidents show why the Netanyahu government is facing more protests at home while being chided by its friends abroad.

On Monday, an Israel Defence Force drone killed seven aid workers even though their convoy was reportedly coordinating movements with it and the vehicles bore a logo that made it clear they were aid workers. On the same day, Israel bombed the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus, killing two Revolutionary Guard generals. The attack drew a response from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who promised revenge. Israel’s action has significantly increased the chances of the conflict becoming more widespread. One of Gaza’s largest hospitals, Al Shifa, is all but rubble. These attacks on diplomatic missions, aid workers and civilians have prompted reactions from the US and Europe. US President Joe Biden said he was “outraged and heartbroken” and accused Israel of not doing enough to protect aid workers. Canada and the UK too have expressed condemnation.

While the Netanyahu government has called the attack on aid workers a “grave mistake”, the prime minister also said, “these things happen in war”. Thus far, he has maintained his maximalist position — in the face of 33,000 Palestinian deaths, over a million refugees, an “imminent famine” and calls from Israel’s closest allies for a cessation of hostilities. Over the weekend, thousands of Israelis took to the streets demanding his removal from office for the failure to bring back hostages. Israel must be mindful of the sentiment articulated by Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and echoed by many of its well-wishers: “Countries may be justified in their own minds in responding (to an attack), but… every response must take into account something called international humanitarian law.” With the theatre of conflict expanding and political support at home declining, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Netanyahu government’s actions are also harming Israel’s national interest.