Netanyahu Battles 'Deep State' as Hamas Hostage Receives US Honor

Paul Riverbank, 4/2/2025Former Hamas hostage receives courage award amid Netanyahu's struggle with Israeli political divisions.

"These women remind us what true courage looks like," Secretary Rubio remarked during the ceremony, where eight remarkable individuals were honored. But Soussana's presence carried particular weight, coming amid ongoing hostage negotiations that have split Israeli society.

I've spent decades covering Middle Eastern politics, and rarely have I seen such a complex interweaving of personal trauma and national policy. Netanyahu's government walks a precarious line – pushing for military objectives while facing intense pressure over hostage recovery efforts. Some nights, the streets of Tel Aviv fill with protesters demanding more aggressive negotiation tactics. Other evenings, different crowds gather supporting a harder military stance.

The political machinery behind these decisions is far messier than most international coverage suggests. Netanyahu, now in his 17th year as Prime Minister across multiple terms, maintains a core of devoted supporters even as opposition grows. Last Tuesday, I watched him navigate questions about hostage negotiations with his characteristic blend of steely resolve and diplomatic finesse.

But here's what often gets missed: Israel's political landscape isn't simply divided between pro and anti-Netanyahu camps. The country lacks a formal constitution, leading to fascinating power struggles between the Knesset and judiciary. Just last month, the High Court struck down a controversial security measure, highlighting these institutional tensions.

"Netanyahu has been trying to walk a razor's edge," a senior defense analyst told me over coffee in Jerusalem recently. "Getting hostages back while keeping Israel safe – it's like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded."

The October 7 attacks forced Israelis to confront hard truths about security protocols. Yet polling data reveals something surprising: most citizens simultaneously support aggressive military action against Hamas while prioritizing hostage recovery. It's a duality that defies simple political categorization.

Back at the State Department ceremony, Secretary Rubio touched on these complexities. "Conflict's greatest toll often falls on women," he noted, as Soussana nodded solemnly from her seat. Her legal background adds another layer of expertise to her advocacy – she's not just sharing her story, she's helping shape policy discussions.

Looking ahead, Israel's path remains uncertain. But watching Soussana accept her award, I couldn't help but reflect on how individual stories of courage intersect with national destinies. Sometimes, the most clear-eyed view of political reality comes through the lens of personal experience.

The simple narratives we often hear about Israeli politics – hardliners versus peaceniks, right versus left – miss the nuanced reality I've observed on the ground. In the end, it's in stories like Soussana's that we find both the human cost of conflict and the resilience that might eventually lead to its resolution.

The halls of the U.S. State Department witnessed a powerful moment last week when Amit Soussana, her voice occasionally wavering but resolve unwavering, accepted the International Women of Courage Award. For 55 harrowing days after October 7, she endured captivity under Hamas. Now, she stands as both survivor and advocate."These women remind us what true courage looks like," Secretary Rubio remarked during the ceremony, where eight remarkable individuals were honored. But Soussana's presence carried particular weight, coming amid ongoing hostage negotiations that have split Israeli society.I've spent decades covering Middle Eastern politics, and rarely have I seen such a complex interweaving of personal trauma and national policy. Netanyahu's government walks a precarious line – pushing for military objectives while facing intense pressure over hostage recovery efforts. Some nights, the streets of Tel Aviv fill with protesters demanding more aggressive negotiation tactics. Other evenings, different crowds gather supporting a harder military stance.The political machinery behind these decisions is far messier than most international coverage suggests. Netanyahu, now in his 17th year as Prime Minister across multiple terms, maintains a core of devoted supporters even as opposition grows. Last Tuesday, I watched him navigate questions about hostage negotiations with his characteristic blend of steely resolve and diplomatic finesse.But here's what often gets missed: Israel's political landscape isn't simply divided between pro and anti-Netanyahu camps. The country lacks a formal constitution, leading to fascinating power struggles between the Knesset and judiciary. Just last month, the High Court struck down a controversial security measure, highlighting these institutional tensions."Netanyahu has been trying to walk a razor's edge," a senior defense analyst told me over coffee in Jerusalem recently. "Getting hostages back while keeping Israel safe – it's like solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded."The October 7 attacks forced Israelis to confront hard truths about security protocols. Yet polling data reveals something surprising: most citizens simultaneously support aggressive military action against Hamas while prioritizing hostage recovery. It's a duality that defies simple political categorization.Back at the State Department ceremony, Secretary Rubio touched on these complexities. "Conflict's greatest toll often falls on women," he noted, as Soussana nodded solemnly from her seat. Her legal background adds another layer of expertise to her advocacy – she's not just sharing her story, she's helping shape policy discussions.Looking ahead, Israel's path remains uncertain. But watching Soussana accept her award, I couldn't help but reflect on how individual stories of courage intersect with national destinies. Sometimes, the most clear-eyed view of political reality comes through the lens of personal experience.The simple narratives we often hear about Israeli politics – hardliners versus peaceniks, right versus left – miss the nuanced reality I've observed on the ground. In the end, it's in stories like Soussana's that we find both the human cost of conflict and the resilience that might eventually lead to its resolution.