Editorial: El País

• The three-phase truce between Israel and Hamas has failed to progress into the second stage, which called for the return of all hostages seized by Hamas and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
• Netanyahu accepted the ceasefire under the pressure of the Trump administration, which sought a peace victory before taking the White House.
• Netanyahu has diverted from the pact of the second phase of the agreement in response to Hamas' actions, leading to a return to arms.
• Netanyahu relies on the war to maintain his political standing, territorial annexation, and to block the formation of a Palestinian State.
• The war has also enabled Netanyahu to evade responsibility for his actions, including corruption investigations and responsibilities associated with prevention of attacks.

Conclusion: Netanyahu utilizes war as a means to maintain political power, avoid accountability, and push forward his extremist objectives, putting Israel on a dangerous trend towards illiberalism and authoritarianism.

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