Gaza Cease-Fire Talks Threaten Netanyahu’s Long Run as Political Survivor

Over three decades in public life, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become known as the “magician” for his ability to wriggle free of political dilemmas. The war in Gaza and hostage-release talks with Hamas are testing those skills like never before.

Hopes for a deal are fading after Netanyahu pulled the Israeli negotiating team from talks in Qatar earlier this week and Hamas rejected a new proposal for a compromise. The talks are expected to move to Cairo next week. Netanyahu faces divisions within his government and an Israeli...