Netanyahu weighs Iran option to boost election chances
By Delaram Ahmadi
Staff writer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated in his formal pardon request to President Isaac Herzog that the Middle East would witness “extraordinary events” in the coming months, describing this moment as an unrepeatable opportunity to advance Israel’s interests. This comes after a US-brokered cease-fire agreement to end the Gaza war was signed in October, while Israel and the United States have been trying to win over more countries to join the Abraham Accords. Iran may also factor into this equation, as the 12-day June war ended with a cease-fire that fell short of achieving Israel’s objectives.
Meanwhile, new military activity near Iran’s western borders has intensified speculation about a possible renewed confrontation. Mansour Barati, an expert on Israeli affairs, has told Iran Daily that the “Iran file” is among the issues Netanyahu is considering as he attempts to restore his popularity and legitimacy with an eye on the upcoming elections in October 2026, and that, if he fails on other fronts, he may fall back on another confrontation with Iran.
IRAN DAILY: How should Netanyahu’s remark about “extraordinary events” expected in the Middle East in the coming months be interpreted? Is this merely promotional rhetoric, or a sign of concrete military intentions?
BARATI: Since Netanyahu deliberately used language vague enough to obscure whether he was referring to Iran, it cannot be stated outright that his rhetoric points to a new war with Iran. The intended message could well be tied to Israeli-Saudi normalization, which under current conditions would also count as a significant, and in Netanyahu’s words “extraordinary,” development.
However, what is clear in Israel today is that Netanyahu needs to stir up a new crisis as he faces elections in nearly ten months. His political position is extremely fragile, and he has been performing poorly in impartial, credible polls. It appears he believes a new crisis is politically necessary.
The most likely scenario, however, is escalation on the northern front, namely Lebanon. The probability of this is considerably higher. Hezbollah has resisted disarmament, is rebuilding its capabilities despite considerable obstacles, and the project Israel initiated during the last war in Lebanon cannot be completed in current circumstances.
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