Netanyahu’s joint war with the US began with talk of regime change in Tehran but may leave him with few strategic gains
When Donald Trump launched a pre-emptive war on Iran with Israel in February, many in the country hailed the campaign as the crowning triumph of Benjamin Netanyahu’s political and diplomatic career.
Three months on the regime is still in power in Tehran, Trump is chasing a deal that will reopen the strait of Hormuz to oil tankers, and the reported terms have provoked alarm, dismay and anger in Israel.
“Israel is completely beholden to the decisions of a capricious, hollow and desperate American president,” Nahum Barnea wrote in Yedioth Ahronoth, one of several commentators who condemned both the deal and the Israeli prime minister.
At this point we need to treat Israel like Apartheid South Africa. Or, indeed, like Iran. Cut them off from the world completely. Total sanctions, total divestment. They’re not going to vote their way out of this; most Israelis are angry that Bibi isn’t doing enough genocide. They’re not going to elect better leaders, just more competent psychopaths. I’m sorry for the few decent people left in that country, but they’re the exception not the rule.