Netanyahu, Israel's arch-survivor, set to face voter fury over Iran deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future hangs in the balance as a U.S.-Iran interim deal and his leadership during the Gaza and Lebanon wars fuel voter discontent ahead of an election due by October. Netanyahu, 76, confirmed his intention to run again despite polls suggesting his right-wing coalition may lose, though his long political dominance in Israel’s parliamentary system keeps him a formidable figure. The U.S. deal with Iran, brokered by President Donald Trump, has reignited criticism over Netanyahu’s claim in March that Israel was ‘changing the face of the Middle East.’ His administration faces scrutiny over military setbacks, including Hamas’ continued control over parts of Gaza and Hezbollah’s survival in Lebanon, despite Israeli strikes killing tens of thousands. Domestic critics, including former generals and families of hostages, argue Netanyahu lacks a coherent strategy, while opposition leader Yair Lapid accused him of ‘collapsing’ at the moment of truth. Netanyahu has framed himself as a security hawk, vowing in 2025 to prevent a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River, but his image has been tarnished by security failures before the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which he has not publicly addressed. His government rejects accusations of war crimes, including an International Criminal Court arrest warrant, while Western allies like the U.S. have clashed with Israel over its Gaza campaign. The political fallout extends beyond military outcomes, with Netanyahu’s expansion of West Bank settlements and attacks on Palestinians drawing international condemnation and calls to revive the peace process. Meanwhile, many Israelis resent perceived Western criticism of their military actions, while rivals accuse Netanyahu of yielding to U.S. pressure in the Iran deal. Despite the challenges, Netanyahu’s Likud party portrays him as indispensable to Israel’s security, warning that inaction against Iran could have left the country vulnerable to nuclear threats. His critics, however, see the current moment as a turning point, with the election offering a rare chance to replace a leader who has dominated Israeli politics for decades.