Benjamin Netanyahu’s political gamble has left Israel dangerously isolated - opinion

Dan Perry argues that Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy of cultivating nationalist leaders has left Israel dangerously isolated as the populist right suffers electoral defeats globally. He warns that Israel's security and prosperity depend on Western alliances that are now at risk, and calls for a policy reset under a potential Eisenkot government.

Dan Perry argues that Benjamin Netanyahu's political gamble of cultivating nationalist leaders has left Israel dangerously isolated. The populist right is suffering electoral defeats worldwide, including Viktor Orban's loss in Hungary and Donald Trump's Republicans losing both houses of Congress. Perry warns that Israel's security rests on alliances that magnify its military strength, and a rupture with America or Europe would endanger Israel's security and prosperity. He claims Netanyahu's strategy of betting on Republican dominance and Europe's nationalist right is backfiring. The author, citing his meetings with diplomatic and military officials, states that many friends of Israel are appalled by the Netanyahu coalition. He warns that without a change in direction, Israel could face sanctions and weapons embargoes. Perry sees an opportunity in Gadi Eisenkot potentially forming an alternative government but notes skepticism abroad about whether Eisenkot will govern differently, particularly toward the Palestinians. The piece calls for a policy reset including embracing political partnership with Arab citizens.