Netanyahu gains support at home during Iran war but risks global backlash

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is gaining strong political support inside Israel during the ongoing war with Iran, but the conflict could damage Israel’s international reputation, especially in the United States.

Supporters and some international commentators have started portraying Netanyahu as a strong wartime leader. A British newspaper article compared him to wartime leader Winston Churchill, highlighting his long-standing focus on Iran and his close alliance with US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu’s supporters widely shared the comparison on social media.

Netanyahu’s Iran war boosts domestic support

The early stage of the Iran war has boosted Netanyahu’s domestic popularity ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections later this year. A survey conducted by Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies found that 81% of Israelis support the strikes on Iran, while 63% believe the campaign should continue until the Iranian regime collapses.

Even opposition leaders have backed the government’s military campaign. Former prime ministers Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett publicly supported the operation, reflecting strong national unity during the conflict.

For years, Netanyahu has presented Iran as Israel’s greatest security threat. After the October 7, 2023 attacks, which damaged his reputation as a security-focused leader, he has increasingly relied on military operations to rebuild his political image. His government recently launched the latest campaign against Iran under the name “Operation Roaring Lion.” Netanyahu has also repeatedly praised President Trump for supporting Israel during the conflict and plans to award him the prestigious Israel Prize on Israel’s Independence Day.

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However, the war has generated significant criticism in the United States. A recent CNN poll shows that nearly 60% of Americans oppose US military involvement in Iran. The political divide is clear, with strong support among Republicans but major opposition among Democratic voters.

Experts warn that Israel could face long-term diplomatic challenges if the war becomes a partisan issue in US politics. Analysts say Netanyahu’s close alignment with Trump risks weakening the decades-long bipartisan support Israel has traditionally received from American leaders.

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