Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to maintain political power have strengthened the influence of the most extreme factions within his coalition, raising concerns about potential moves to expel Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Analysts warn that such actions could cause irreversible harm. Historical perspectives highlight that modern conflicts without political resolutions, such as those in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Gaza, often lead to moral decline, diminishing returns, and erosion of legitimacy for the occupying powers. Prominent voices, including historian and diplomat Shlomo Ben Ami, emphasize the risks of prolonged military engagements lacking political solutions. Meanwhile, Thomas Friedman, a widely read foreign policy columnist and longtime supporter of Israel, described the ongoing war as "devious and sinister," warning it could render Israel a "pariah state." Public opinion appears to be shifting, with increased global sympathy moving toward Palestinians following Netanyahu's harsh policies in Gaza after the October 7, 2023 attacks. This shift marks a historic change in American attitudes toward the Middle East. Criticism also comes from former USAID personnel who question Netanyahu's approach to addressing terrorism, though alternative solutions remain undisclosed.