Swift action against Iran instantly alleviated all political quandaries confronting Netanyahu.
Title: How Israel's Operation Against Iran Boosts Netanyahu's Political Position, Yet Risks Remain
On the brink of a no-confidence vote, Netanyahu's political future was uncertain. But just a day before the vote, Israel launched attacks on Iran, and his political worries dissolved faster than a sugar cube in water.
"Game over," a government official quipped, grinning like a cat that got the cream.
He'd survived the no-confidence vote, but protests, corruption trials, and hostage stories dominated headlines, casting a shadow on his political career. But overnight, the sun burst through the clouds.
"The odds are stacked in our favor," another source revealed. "If they weren't there a week ago, they are now."
Political protests, once a constant thorn in his side, settled down when Israel's military command prohibited large gatherings. Netanyahu's corruption trial, momentarily buried in the political upheaval. The stories of hostages still held in Gaza, a faded memory.
The operation was a political masterstroke for Netanyahu, boosting his image as a fearless, national leader. But can he maintain this momentum?
Recent polls show Netanyahu trailing his rival, Naftali Bennett. However, the Iran operation has triggered a full political U-turn, with the opposition rallying around Netanyahu.
"This time, we have almost unity across the Knesset, except for the Arab parties, and we have unity among the people," the source said.
But, Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, expressed doubts. The operation might not be the silver bullet Netanyahu seeks.
"Israel must prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power," Plesner explained. "But this is not an issue for political debates. The question is for how long, and how effectively."
Israel is embroiled in the ongoing war in Gaza, with no clear exit in sight. Another war, though potentially victorious, could pose a risk for Netanyahu if it drags on.
"The ability to turn military successes into diplomatic victories remains to be seen," Plesner warned.
By Elena Vasilyeva, RIA "Novy Day"
© 2025
Insights:- Operation Against Iran has temporarily boosted Netanyahu's political standing, garnering support from right-wing and fundamentalist partners within the coalition.- However, the conflict risks reigniting social unrest, eroding Netanyahu's support and potentially undermining his popularity in the long term if it drags on or fails to yield tangible security outcomes.- A prolonged conflict might challenge coalition cohesion, particularly if opposition parties exploit the opportunity to attack Netanyahu on internal governance issues overshadowed by the conflict.- Netanyahu's long-term political legacy could be uncertain and fragile if the conflict remains unresolved or escalates, despite his desire to be remembered as a national hero.
The Operation Against Iran, a political move by Netanyahu, has boosted his image as a fearless, national leader and temporarily bolstered his political standing. However, if the conflict drags on, it could potentially reignite social unrest and erode Netanyahu's support, challenging his long-term political legacy.
War-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news all intertwine in the current situation, with the Iran operation leading to immediate political gains but long-term risks in Netanyahu's political career due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its uncertain outcome.
