look news india
Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dreamed of making the war against Iran the greatest victory of his political legacy. He hoped that by breaking Tehran’s military back, he would not only ensure Israel’s security but would also be recorded in history as an ‘invincible leader’. But even after six weeks of the war, the reality seems to be the opposite. Despite heavy weapons and US support, Netanyahu has not been able to convert military superiority into political and strategic success.
Military Strength vs. Strategic Failure: The Enemy Still in the Field
Israel has modern fighter aircraft like F-35 and the world’s best missile defense system, but experts are considering it a “strategic failure”. According to a Reuters report, National Security Studies Institute expert Danny Citrinowicz says that Netanyahu is not winning. Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have been weakened, but not eliminated. At the same time, Iran’s nuclear bases and missile capability are still intact. The biggest concern is about the ‘Strait of Hormuz’, where Iran’s control remains a stranglehold for the global economy.
Huge drop in approval ratings: Less than 10% Israelis are happy
The domestic front is also becoming challenging for 76-year-old Netanyahu. Just before the elections to be held in October, his popularity graph has fallen sharply. According to the latest survey (April 11), only 10% of Israelis consider this war a success, while Netanyahu’s personal rating has fallen from 40% to 34%. Efforts to wash away the stain on his image after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, seem to be failing through this war.
Air strikes and target killing: did they really work?
Israel has targeted many top commanders of Iran and its allies, but experts say that it proved to be like “waking up the bear instead of killing it”. According to former advisor Aviv Bushinsky, targeted killing alone does not bring down a regime. After the death of one leader, another takes his place, due to which the conflict becomes longer. The idea of changing the map of the Middle East with the power of F-15 and F-35 aircraft does not seem to be successful on the ground at present.
The burden of $11.5 billion and the ‘genie out of the bottle’
This war has also had a deep impact on Israel’s economy. About $11.5 billion (about Rs 96,000 crore) has been spent so far. Diplomats believe that now Iran is feeling more “bold” than before. He feels that he can withstand the attacks of America and Israel. Its worst impact will be on the Arab countries of the Gulf who will now have to face a more fanatical and aggressive Iranian leadership. The challenge now for Netanyahu is not only to win the war but also to save his political credibility.