Israel: Politics

Domestic

Political figures including Naftali Bennett and Yair Golan are attempting to form a united front to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their efforts are reportedly hampered by disagreements and a lack of cohesion. Netanyahu has stated the country is on its way to completing its military mission. He has described the Iranian regime as fanatical and argued that if no action was taken now, no action could be taken in the future.

International

Israel has intensified military strikes against Iran while also warning Lebanon it must disarm Hezbollah or face consequences, creating a public rift with the United States. These actions represent a coordinated Israeli strategy to counter multiple regional threats. The United States and Israel have conducted these strikes, with President Donald Trump describing the action as righteous and signaling a willingness to engage with new Iranian leadership following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The two countries defended the strikes at a heated UN Security Council meeting, where Iran accused them of a war crime and several countries questioned the lack of UN approval.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon it would pay a heavy price if it did not disarm Hezbollah. French President Emmanuel Macron pressed Netanyahu to end operations in Lebanon and refrain from a ground offensive, while also telling Lebanese officials Hezbollah must stop its attacks. Germany's foreign minister made an urgent visit to Israel. Separately, Trump has repeatedly urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Netanyahu, calling Herzog a disgrace for not doing so. Netanyahu stated he was not surprised by Trump's comment that the war was 'pretty much' complete, asserting Israel is 'not done yet' and calling for a change of power in Iran.