Netanyahu: Tough But on Shaky Grounds

Despite his tough and uncompromising stands Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands on shaky grounds.

As reported in the Jewish Maariv daily and highlighted in the Quds News Network, his teflon-factor toughness is dented domestically and daily, as characterized by the popular opposition against his rule, in the street and the Knesset.

Around 55% of Israelis have low confidence in the current military leadership of the country; 73% don’t trust the government and 71% express very low trust in Netanyahu.

Further, 86% are concerned about the security situation in Israel; 73% worried about the economic situation of the country and 63% support the recruitment of ultra-Orthodox Jews into the army.

Around 500,000 Israelis have left the country since 7 October, 2023, and the Ben Gurion Airport is already packed with travelers wanting to leave following Friday’s Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu is visiting the United States with all these statistics staring him in the face.

He is addressing the US Congress and meeting US President Joe Biden amidst a declining trust among Israelis in his leadership.

This is particularly due to his failure to secure a ceasefire that could facilitate an exchange deal with the resistance in Gaza. At the same time the fate of 120-plus Israeli hostages hang in the balance.

At the same time, he is facing intense pressure from far-right ministers who threaten to dissolve the government if he agrees to a deal.

They are insisting that he initiate an all-out war against Lebanon—a conflict that, according to the U.S., could escalate into a regional war, which the U.S. has warned against.

But the US is worried also because Hezbollah is proving a very strong match in the north whilst the Houthis are prepared for an all out war which would disruptive globally.

CrossFireArabia

CrossFireArabia

Dr. Marwan Asmar holds a PhD from Leeds University and is a freelance writer specializing on the Middle East. He has worked as a journalist since the early 1990s in Jordan and the Gulf countries, and been widely published, including at Albawaba, Gulf News, Al Ghad, World Press Review and others.

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Iran Halts Attacks on Neighboring States Unless…

Iran’s president said Saturday that his country will refrain from attacking neighboring states unless attacks are launched against Iran from their territory, state-run Press TV reported.

“The temporary leadership council announced yesterday that there will be no more attacks on neighboring countries and no missile launches unless attacks originate from those countries against Iran,” Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised address to the Iranian people.

He also apologized to neighboring countries amid rising regional tensions, saying Iran has “no intention of invading other countries.”

Pezeshkian also dismissed expectations that Iran would surrender unconditionally, saying that those who nurse such hopes “will take their dreams to the grave.”

Iran on Feb. 28 launched missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets. Some of the attacks have caused casualties and damage to civilian sites, including ports and residential buildings.

Tehran says the attacks came in response to a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that has killed hundreds of people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials. Anadolu

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