Netanyahu, Israel's arch-survivor, set to face voter fury over Iran deal

Key Points:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a challenging election this autumn, complicated by an interim U.S. deal with Iran and criticism over his handling of recent wars and security failures, including the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
• Despite allegations of corruption and domestic controversies, Netanyahu confirmed his intention to run again, though opinion polls suggest his right-wing coalition may lose, yet his political resilience remains notable in Israel's parliamentary system.
• Netanyahu's hawkish reputation has been undermined by security lapses and wars that yielded military successes but no lasting victories, leading to criticism from generals, families of hostages, and opposition figures who accuse him of lacking a clear strategic plan.
• Internationally, Netanyahu faces accusations of war crimes related to Gaza, strained relations with U.S. leaders, and declining bipartisan support for Israel in the U.S., while domestically, his government's expansionist policies have sparked historic protests.
• Netanyahu's long tenure as Israel's longest-serving prime minister is marked by political savvy, coalition-building, and efforts like the Abraham Accords, but recent conflicts have severely damaged his legacy and Israel's standing in the West.