What it’s about:

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg expressed his preference for removing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over combating the terror group Hamas, in his recent column criticizing leaders on both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Why it matters:

Steinberg’s comments spotlight the polarizing opinions regarding Israeli leadership at a time when the nation faces significant threats from terror organizations like Hamas. Such debates are crucial to understanding international sentiments about the ongoing conflict and the search for a lasting resolution.

The Details:

In his column, Steinberg suggested that Netanyahu is a more detrimental force than Hamas, a statement reflecting the deep divides and the complexity of perspectives surrounding Israel’s handling of its security and leadership. Steinberg shared an account of a challenging conversation he had with an official from Netanyahu’s administration, emphasizing resistance to dialogue from both conflicted parties.

Critical Points from the Column:

Neil Steinberg’s analysis criticizes the strategies taken by both the Palestinian and Israeli leaderships. He argues that Palestinian approaches to Israel as a military adversary have historically been unsuccessful and have led to continued suffering. Alternatively, he sees Israel’s view of Palestinians as a ‘management issue’ instead of addressing the humanitarian crises.

Impact Statements:

Steinberg linked wide public sentiment to his criticisms, citing the mass protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as evidence of growing dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s administration. He also highlighted misplaced priorities, noting, “both sides have a policy of focusing exclusively on their own humanity, decrying their own tragedy while ignoring the tragedy they inflict.”

Balance to the Critique:

While Steinberg calls out the Palestinians for the unrealistic “from the river to the sea” ambitions, he also reiterates the organizational corruption and inadequacies on their side. Despite this, he maintains the necessity for Israeli self-assessment and just action towards Palestinians for long-term peace and morality.

Looking Ahead:

Steinberg’s column ultimately seeks to remind everyone that solutions rest in the hands of leaderships genuinely willing to engage in resolving longstanding hostilities. Despite the present adversities, there’s an underlying belief that a peaceful resolution is attainable if both sides commit earnestly.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.