Netanyahu's latest war has few critics in an Israel embracing militarism

"His decision to attack Iran again, less than a year later, was greeted with broad and enthusiastic support from Israeli politicians, including the prime minister's bitter rivals, and a public willing to endure death and massive disruption to their lives. Few prominent Israelis have asked questions about why the legacy of one historic victory is another war or whether the stated goal of regime change from the air is realistic."

"Donald Trump and Netanyahu seem to share a world vision that substitutes military superiority, targeted killings and the prospect of constant war for international relations, negotiations and lasting treaties. Khamenei's assassination was a spectacular display of their combined military and espionage strength. But Israel's spy agencies have a decades-long track record of taking out high-profile enemies, from generations of Hamas commanders in Gaza to the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, in assassinations that did not destroy the groups these men headed."

"By contrast, peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt, which brought lasting stability with countries once considered bitter enemies, demonstrate the effectiveness of diplomatic solutions over military action in achieving long-term regional peace and security."

Following a 12-day war in June, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared historic victory but launched another attack on Iran less than a year later, receiving broad political and public support. When Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed, backing for the war intensified despite mounting Israeli casualties and damage from Iranian counterattacks. Israeli civilians expressed support for the military action despite personal losses, including deaths from Iranian missile strikes. Netanyahu and Trump appear to prioritize military superiority and targeted killings over diplomatic negotiations. However, Israel's decades-long history of assassinating high-profile enemies—from Hamas commanders to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah—has not destroyed these organizations. Peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt demonstrate that lasting stability comes through negotiation rather than military action.

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