Between Washington and the Likud Citadel
Three months before the elections, Netanyahu must maneuver between handling international arenas and an existential threat to Israel, and personal political survival. The article examines the dilemma between achieving a diplomatic or military achievement against Iran and dealing with internal politics in Likud, while describing his visit to Washington and ties with Trump.
Three months before the Knesset elections, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself in a complex situation: he must maneuver between handling international arenas and an existential threat to Israel, and personal political survival. The article, by Yuval Karni, examines the central dilemma facing Netanyahu – whether to achieve a significant diplomatic or military achievement, such as defeating Iran or normalization with Saudi Arabia, or to focus on internal Likud politics. Netanyahu is in Washington for a visit whose outcomes are unclear, and his strong card, Donald Trump, is no longer such. His supporters claim he can contain both worlds, but the article points to risks: dealing with existential questions alongside political issues like slots and the Arrangements Committee. The question of what will prevail – national interest or political future – remains open.