Netanyahu Declares Victory in Gaza, Critics Challenge Narrative

The conflict in Gaza has concluded with conflicting narratives from its key players. Following a ceasefire, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu proclaimed victory for Israel, while Hamas claimed success in securing the release of Palestinian detainees and achieving its military goals. The war, which lasted two years, has left the situation complex and contentious, with both sides offering starkly different accounts of the outcome.

In a statement on March 25, 2025, Hamas asserted that it had fulfilled its objectives during the conflict, claiming that Israel’s military efforts had ultimately failed. The group highlighted the release of Palestinian detainees as a significant achievement. Hamas cited its commitment to ending hostilities, accusing Israel of obstructing peace efforts throughout the war. Visuals of large numbers of Gazans returning to Gaza City were presented as evidence of their resilience, termed “sumud,” a concept emphasizing steadfastness.

In contrast, Netanyahu claimed credit for Israel’s military strategy during a televised address, asserting that his leadership and refusal to yield to external pressures were pivotal in achieving this so-called victory. He specifically noted his orders for military strikes in Rafah and Gaza City, which he suggested were crucial despite considerable international opposition. “Throughout the entire war, there were those who claimed we would not be able to recover all the hostages without a complete withdrawal from Gaza,” he stated. “I thought differently, and I acted differently.”

Despite Netanyahu’s assertions, dissent emerged from within his political ranks. Lawmaker Amit Halevi, affiliated with Netanyahu’s Likud party, criticized the terms of the ceasefire. He described the exchange of hostages for the release of Palestinians involved in deadly attacks against Israelis as “humiliating.” In total, Israel released over 1,900 Palestinians, including individuals who had received life sentences. The release of over 1,700 detainees, held without formal charges since the conflict began, further fueled criticism.

Halevi expressed a strong sense of national pride lost, stating that the nation should mourn instead of celebrating. He called for a message to Hamas and the global community that Israel would not forget the violence inflicted upon it. “The Jewish people will not forget or forgive until the complete annihilation of the neo-Nazis in Gaza,” he declared.

Opposition voices in Israel have also rejected Netanyahu’s victory narrative. Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war for his political survival, asserting that the ceasefire was only brokered due to pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Lapid suggested that Netanyahu was unwilling to make the necessary concessions to secure the return of all hostages.

Critics argue that the ceasefire fails to achieve the complete dismantling of Hamas or disarmament, leaving the group’s military capabilities intact. The absence of a clear plan for post-war governance in Gaza and a pathway to Palestinian statehood remain key concerns for those opposing Netanyahu’s administration.

In the coming days, public opinion polls may reveal which narrative resonates more with the Israeli populace. Should Netanyahu’s version gain traction, he may consider the possibility of calling for early elections, further shaping the political landscape in Israel.

As the dust settles on this complex conflict, the contrasting narratives underscore not only the immediate political implications but also the broader challenges that lie ahead for both Israel and the Palestinian territories.