Netanyahu Adopts Wartime Leader Role as Hamas Attacks Force Shift from Caution to Military Action

Netanyahu has avoided major military operations as Israel's prime minister, preferring limited airstrikes or special ops. He has been seen as risk-averse.

The Hamas attacks that killed over 1,300 Israelis compelled Netanyahu to take on a wartime leader mantle, rallying support and assembling a war cabinet.

Netanyahu's military experience has led him to favor tactical strikes over large operations, keeping a lid on tensions.

Netanyahu put energy into normalizing Israel's relations with Arab states, making the Palestinian conflict a sideshow.

Waging a successful war on Hamas could be a political lifeline for Netanyahu amid controversy over his judicial overhaul plans.