While Netanyahu Builds Alliances – Political Pettiness Takes Over the Discourse | Dr. Eitan Lesri

Dr. Eitan Lesri argues that while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a new regional architecture against Iran, the opposition and media are engaged in political pettiness that blurs the magnitude of the moment and even endangers state security.

Dr. Eitan Lesri argues in an opinion piece that while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads diplomatic and security moves to build a new regional architecture against the Iranian threat, the opposition and parts of the Israeli media are drawn into political pettiness that blurs the magnitude of the moment. The author notes Netanyahu's secret visit to Abu Dhabi and his meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, alongside reports of broader meetings with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, and meetings of military chiefs from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa, aimed at creating a "coalition of capabilities" against the Iranian threat. Lesri harshly criticizes the media, particularly Channel 12 News, which he claims published the prime minister's flight while the plane was making its way back to Israel, endangering his security. He defines this as media irresponsibility and a harm to state security. The article praises Netanyahu's strategic vision, including defense and detection systems, maritime and energy security, and diplomatic flexibility, presenting it as a shift from an outdated concept of dependence on a single ally to a concept of security independence and a regional partner network. Lesri states that history will judge this period not by newspaper headlines, but by whether Israel emerged from it strong and connected to a robust regional coalition.