Five Problems the War with Iran Could Solve for Benjamin Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has achieved what many Israeli leaders before him failed to do: convincing the United States to join Israel in launching open strikes against its main regional adversary, Iran.

At this point, these attacks have resulted in over 1,400 deaths in Iran, while 1,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, along with dozens in other regional countries affected by the conflict.

Oil prices, a key factor in the global economy, have reached new highs, raising fears of shortages and potential rationing.

In the United States, several Democratic lawmakers, as well as some influential figures typically supportive of President Donald Trump, such as commentator Tucker Carlson and host Joe Rogan, have openly opposed the war, with no clear consensus emerging on a possible resolution to the conflict or on how to bridge the diplomatic divide with European and Western allies.

However, for Netanyahu, these tensions may be less significant than the political and strategic gains he believes he has already achieved. Here’s how this war could help address some of the problems he has faced for years.

The Iranian Threat

Netanyahu has long warned about the threat Iran poses to Israel and the world. He has notably used visual aids at the UN to assert that Iran was close to acquiring nuclear weapons.

Israel believed it could not emerge victorious from a conflict with Iran without U.S. support. This support only materialized with Donald Trump's arrival.

Last year, Trump had agreed to get involved in a prior conflict but quickly ended operations after strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This time, he was involved from the outset.

Even though the outcome of the conflict remains uncertain, Netanyahu might view it as a success to have secured the direct commitment of the U.S. alongside Israel.

Additionally, even without the fall of the Iranian regime, the weakening of the Islamic Republic could reduce its long-term threat.

Combined with the weakening of the Iranian "axis of resistance" in the region—especially after strikes against Hezbollah and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's Syrian regime—Netanyahu might believe that Israel is now positioned as the dominant power in the Middle East.

Netanyahu's Corruption Trials

Netanyahu is currently facing three corruption cases that were opened in 2019.

Throughout the conflict, allegations have circulated that he attempted to delay his trials to avoid legal consequences, with hearings frequently postponed due to security concerns.

Earlier this month, he revived a call from U.S. President Donald Trump by asking Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a pardon.

At his first press conference since the war began, he termed the legal proceedings an "absurd circus" and requested their closure to fully dedicate himself to the war and regional diplomacy.

However, the Israeli Ministry of Justice deemed a pardon inappropriate while the trial was ongoing.

Obstacles to Justice Reform

Netanyahu and his allies' attempts to reform the judicial system—particularly by reducing its role as a counterbalance—have faced significant opposition for several years.

This initiative sparked major protests in late 2022, before the movement lost momentum after the outbreak of war in Gaza in October 2023.

Despite the war against Iran, the government continues its efforts to push through controversial reforms, particularly concerning the powers of the Attorney General and media control.

Opposition leaders denounce the use of the conflict to advance these reforms.

Criticism Regarding Treatment of Palestinians

Violence against Palestinians has intensified in the occupied West Bank, while additional restrictions have been imposed in Gaza since the war began.

The European Union and the United Kingdom have called on Israel to end the violence in the West Bank, where several Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the conflict with Iran.

The death toll continues to rise, with new victims, including a family killed by Israeli soldiers, provoking widespread international outrage.

In Gaza, the situation remains critical after two years of intense conflict. The United Nations is calling for an easing of restrictions to allow humanitarian aid to flow.

Netanyahu's Electoral Concerns

Before the conflict, Netanyahu faced a largely critical public opinion and significant electoral risk.

According to several polls, his popularity was declining against potential political rivals.

However, the situation appears to have changed: confidence in his ability to manage the war has increased, now exceeding 60%.

Some analysts even suggest he might call for early elections, seeking to capitalize on his image as a wartime leader.

Source: Al Jazeera