Iranophobia could help Netanyahu transform fear into political survival as his government falters
Netanyahu presses for renewed strikes
Netanyahu has reportedly called US President Donald Trump almost daily to urge renewed strikes on Iran. Israeli media have also described repeated clashes with military chief Eyal Zamir, who has opposed proposals for action and warned they could lead to a wider conflict.
The reports come as Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, which the article says oversaw the genocide in Gaza, carried out attacks across the region and eroded civil liberties at home, appears to be losing its hold on power. His efforts to disrupt a political transition point to a growing determination to remain in office.
Political stakes at home
Ahron Bregman, an Israeli political analyst at King’s College London, said Netanyahu was “desperate” and likely finished politically. Bregman said only a national unity government could save him.
Political psychologist Daniel Bar-Tal of Tel Aviv University suggested another conflict with Iran could offer Netanyahu a way out of his political predicament. Bar-Tal said most of the public oppose Netanyahu and his coalition, while the prime minister faces multiple active criminal cases.
Fear could rally opponents
Even critics who view Netanyahu’s push for war as a bid to preserve his power could support an attack, analysts said. Bregman said former military members of the opposition had spent their careers preparing to confront Iran, while many members of the public had come to regard war as inevitable.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly warned since at least the 1990s that Tehran was close to obtaining a nuclear weapon and might use it against Israel. Ram said Israel remains in a state of expectation that feels permanent to many.
Key points
- Netanyahu has reportedly pressed Trump almost daily for renewed strikes on Iran.
- Military chief Eyal Zamir has warned that an attack could widen the conflict.
- Analysts say fear of Iran could lead some opponents and members of the public to support military action.
- Netanyahu faces broad public opposition and multiple active criminal cases.