Did Benjamin Netanyahu win the war?

Since this morning in Israel, he has been subjected to a torrent of criticism.

Until now, political oppositions had been discreet, so as not to appear disloyal to the patriotism demanded by the war. But since the ceasefire was signed, they have abandoned all restraint against Benjamin Netanyahu.

He is responsible for the “greatest political disaster in history” – these are the words of the opposition leader.

Yaïr Lapid believes that Netanyahu has not achieved any of the goals he had set for himself: ending the Iranian nuclear threat and overthrowing the regime.

Furthermore, Israel did not participate in the ceasefire negotiations, highlights the centrist opponent.

Benjamin Netanyahu is criticized from the left, but also from the right. The ultranationalist Avigdor Liberman is outraged by this pause in the fighting, which he believes offers “a breath of fresh air” to the ayatollahs.

Is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu therefore weakened?

Yes, six months before the next elections in Israel, the polls show him losing.

His rivals will campaign on this theme: “Netanyahu is the one who failed to convince the United States to continue the war”.

What a contrast with the investigation (paywalled/ in English) from the New York Times published yesterday! Very informative, it recounts how the Israeli Prime Minister managed to involve Donald Trump in the conflict.

It was on February 12, two weeks before the first strikes. A confidential meeting in the White House crisis room. Netanyahu presents his arguments for an hour, facing President Trump, surrounded by a few close associates. A “decisive” moment, writes the American newspaper.

This connection with Donald Trump is precisely the advantage that Benjamin Netanyahu intends to highlight. He wants to show that he embodies the strongest link with the American protector.

As noted by historian Frédérique Schillo, a specialist in Israel, Donald Trump is also invited on April 22nd, Independence Day in Israel. The American President is expected to receive the Israel Prize, the country’s highest honor, equivalent to the Legion of Honor.

And then there is also the question of Lebanon…

Israeli bombings continued intensively today, despite the ceasefire. The “largest coordinated strikes” since the beginning of the conflict, claimed by the Israeli army.

Benjamin Netanyahu wants to disconnect the two fronts: Iran and Lebanon.

The Israeli army targets Shiite militia leaders, allies of the Iranians. It also targets infrastructures, such as bridges, as terrorists use them. Not to mention civilian deaths, displacements, international protests, including those from France.

Today, the Pakistani mediator called on all parties to show restraint. But in Lebanon, the Israeli Prime Minister wants to continue the fight. To show his opponents that he is in control, and his hand does not tremble.