Gaza War on Children: Why Netanyahu's Exit Won't End the Killing 2026

The Gaza war on children is a harsh reality that will not disappear even if Benjamin Netanyahu is removed from office, according to recent analysis. The article highlights the election of Moshe Feiglin, a far-right politician who has made dehumanizing statements about Palestinian children, and his alliance with Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's finance minister. Netanyahu welcomed this union, signaling that the political landscape in Israel has shifted in a way that normalizes extreme rhetoric.

This shift matters because it suggests that the violence against children in Gaza is not solely tied to one leader but is embedded in a broader political and social context. The international community must understand that replacing Netanyahu may not bring an end to the suffering of Gaza's children.

The Normalization of Extremist Rhetoric in Israeli Politics

Moshe Feiglin, once considered a far-right outcast, has now been elected to Israel's legislature. His statements, such as calling for the expulsion of Gaza's entire population, including newborns, and saying that every child and baby in Gaza is the enemy, would in a normal society lead to total reputational ruin. However, in Israel, such rhetoric has been embraced by mainstream political figures.

Feiglin formed an alliance with Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, and Netanyahu himself praised this "important union" and their "national responsibility." This endorsement from a sitting prime minister demonstrates how extremist views have moved from the fringes to the center of Israeli politics.

The implications are profound: even if Netanyahu and his allies lose their majority, the ideological underpinnings that fuel the violence will remain. The political culture that allows for the dehumanization of Palestinian children will not vanish overnight.

The Scale of the Violence: A War on Children

According to figures from the Palestinian ministry of health, which are likely significant underestimates, nearly 22,000 children in Gaza have been killed since Israel began its assault, including at least 1,100 under the age of one. Save the Children has described the situation as a "war on children," and a UN independent commission concluded earlier this year that Israeli forces had deliberately targeted and killed Palestinian children.

These are not just statistics; they represent a systematic campaign that has been documented by international organizations. The deliberate targeting of children is a grave violation of international law and human rights.

The scale of the killing is staggering and points to a policy that goes beyond individual leaders. It is a reflection of a broader societal and political consensus that views Palestinian children as legitimate targets.

Why Netanyahu's Departure Won't Stop the Killing

Many observers hoped that the recent election, in which Netanyahu and his far-right allies lost their majority, would mark a turning point. However, the article cautions against such optimism. Netanyahu's bloc still won more votes than the Jewish-led opposition, and the political discourse has shifted so far to the right that even without Netanyahu, the policies are unlikely to change.

The alliance between Feiglin and Smotrich, and Netanyahu's praise for it, indicates that the far-right has been integrated into the mainstream. This integration means that the ideological foundation for the violence is now part of the political system, not just a temporary aberration.

Moreover, the international community's response has been inadequate, allowing Israel to continue its assault with impunity. Without sustained pressure and accountability, the killing will continue regardless of who is in power.

The Role of the International Community

The international community has a responsibility to protect children in conflict zones. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Israel has ratified, obligates states to protect children from violence. Yet, the world has largely stood by as thousands of children have been killed.

Save the Children and other organizations have called for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for war crimes. However, political considerations have often trumped humanitarian concerns.

The article suggests that a change in Israeli leadership alone will not be enough; there must be a fundamental shift in how the international community addresses the root causes of the conflict, including the occupation and the denial of Palestinian rights.

What to Watch Next

The situation in Gaza remains dire, and the political dynamics in Israel are complex. Key developments to monitor include the formation of a new government, the influence of far-right parties, and the international response to potential war crimes. The background to this story is set out in Israel Election Exit Polls: Netanyahu Bloc Tied With Opposition. A related thread runs through Israel Election Exit Polls: Netanyahu and Eisenkot Blocs Tied. Earlier coverage in Israel Election: Netanyahu Survives as Divisions Deepen shows how the argument developed.

It is also crucial to watch how civil society and human rights organizations document and advocate for the protection of children. The voices of survivors and families of victims must be heard. A closer look at the same subject appears in Israel Election Results: Exit Polls Show Tie Between Netanyahu. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Israel Election Exit Polls Show Netanyahu Bloc Trailing in Tight Race. The same theme surfaces in Netanyahu UK Nuclear Comment Sparks Diplomatic Row, which takes a different angle.

Ultimately, the killing of children in Gaza is a moral outrage that demands action, not just a change in leadership. The world must hold accountable those who target children and work towards a just and lasting peace. Context on how this played out before sits in Netanyahu UN Speech: Defiance and Global Isolation. A companion piece, Mamdani Urges US to Arrest Netanyahu Over ICC Warrant, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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