Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is facing political oblivion after his unprovoked war against Iran ended in a humiliating ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump. The deal, signed in Versailles, has left Netanyahu isolated, with his closest ally turning against him and Iran emboldened.
Netanyahu's Doctrine of Violence Fails
Netanyahu's approach to regional problems—from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran's nuclear program—has consistently relied on extreme, often lawless violence. The war against Iran, the ultimate expression of this doctrine, has failed to achieve its objectives. Trump's ceasefire memorandum is widely seen as a capitulation, and while the US president may survive the mockery, Netanyahu's political career is likely over.
Political Obituary and Criminal Indictment
Netanyahu's legacy includes resisting a two-state solution, failing to prevent the Hamas atrocities of 7 October 2023, and then waging a genocidal campaign in Gaza. He empowered far-right politicians, undermined the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and drew the US into an unwinnable war based on false promises of easy victory. The main reason for his downfall, however, is the poisoning of the US-Israel special relationship.
US-Israel Strategic Schism
For decades, US and Israeli interests converged, but Netanyahu's actions have fractured the consensus. In 2015, he campaigned against Barack Obama's Iran rapprochement, deepening partisan divides. Trump's first term further polarized relations by moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Now, polls show that for the first time, more Americans sympathize with Palestinians than with Israelis, and many question the alliance's benefits.
Trump's Profanity-Laden Attacks
Reports indicate Trump has launched personal attacks on Netanyahu, calling him 'crazy,' reflecting a collapse in mutual trust. Trump's Iran deal has left Israelis aghast, as none of Netanyahu's war goals—eliminating Iran's nuclear threat, degrading proxies, or sparking regime change—were achieved. Instead, Iran's regime is emboldened, planning to charge transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz.
Catastrophic Consequences for Israel
At the G7 summit, Trump eviscerated Netanyahu's red lines, supporting Iran's right to enrich uranium and ballistic missiles. Vice-president JD Vance ordered Netanyahu to stop fighting in Lebanon and toe the line, warning that the US is Israel's only powerful ally left. This open confrontation is catastrophic for Israel, as Netanyahu is cornered: defying Trump could restart the war, while submitting to his diktats would lose credibility with voters and far-right allies.
Regional Ramifications
The rupture may mark the end of Israeli exceptionalism and unconditional US support. It could scupper hopes of extending the Abraham Accords to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, while easing Iran's isolation. Israel will be less secure. Netanyahu staked everything on victory and lost; he should resign before causing more damage.
