In a deeply divided Israel, even a dramatic display of defensive technology against an Iranian salvo is subject to political interpretation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s supporters see this as validation of his warnings about the threats posed by Iran, while his opponents praise the air force for their role in defending Israel. The country’s polarization prevents people from seeing the full picture, according to Israeli political commentator Mazal Mualem. Iran launched the barrage in response to an Israeli attack in Damascus, adding to the challenges facing Mr. Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader is already facing domestic criticism for policies and failures that led to a deadly Hamas-led attack and subsequent conflict in Gaza. Internationally, Mr. Netanyahu is under scrutiny for Israel’s prosecution of the war, which has resulted in casualties among Gaza’s population. As he navigates this critical moment, Mr. Netanyahu faces a choice – to respond with force against Iran or defer to a coalition that helped defend Israel in the interests of stability. Israel’s allies are urging restraint, recognizing the delicate balance that Mr. Netanyahu must strike in his response to the Iranian threat.
Mr. Netanyahu’s consistent warnings about the dangers of a nuclear Iran have spanned his years in office, dating back to 1996. Iran’s network of proxy militias across the region adds to the complexity of the threat Israel faces. While Iran’s proxies have engaged in conflicts with Israel, the country is also close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Mr. Netanyahu is credited with putting Iran’s nuclear program on the global agenda and investing in an air defense system that intercepted the recent Iranian attack. His outspoken opposition to Iran has at times strained relations with American presidents, but bipartisan U.S. support for Israel has remained crucial.
Mr. Netanyahu’s confrontational approach to Iran has included public displays meant to draw attention to Iran’s nuclear progress. At the UN General Assembly, he famously held up a cartoonish drawing of a bomb to emphasize enrichment levels, and at the Munich Security Conference, he presented wreckage from an Iranian drone shot down by Israel. Though his stance on Iran has sometimes sparked tension with American administrations, Mr. Netanyahu has managed to build diplomatic ties with Arab states aligned against Iran. Despite the challenges ahead, Mr. Netanyahu remains a central figure in Israeli politics and diplomacy, known for playing a long game in navigating complex international relationships.
