Netanyahu Shifts Security Policy Amid War and Political Polarization in Israel

Netanyahu, 77, is Israel's longest-serving prime minister. He is building support in a country undergoing war, political polarization, and deep security concerns to advance his political career. In fact, a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, dealt a major blow to Netanyahu's Mr. Security image. Nearly 1,200 people were killed. Before the announcement, Netanyahu was seen as a leader who avoided major military confrontations. His security policy focused on limited combat and defensive action. But after October 7, he changed tack. Israel took military action against Iran in conjunction with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and the United States. Netanyahu described it as a strategy to weaken enemies and ensure Israel's security. War has not been decisive on many fronts. Netanyahu says he has completed some important political work with the Iranian regime.