Strategic Adviser Says Netanyahu Can Gain Politically by Standing Firm Against Washington and Hezbollah

Strategic adviser Roni Rimmon told Channel 7 that Donald Trump’s policy shift on Iran and his criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu are hurting the Israeli prime minister politically, but could also create an opportunity. Rimmon said Netanyahu first benefited when Israel and the United States moved “hand in hand” through the operations “Rage of the Lion” and “With the Strength of a Lion,” but that Washington later chose what he called a bad deal with Iran, a move he believes reflects poorly on Netanyahu.

Rimmon argued that the key test now is Lebanon. He said Israel must not withdraw and must not order the IDF to pull back, insisting that Israel has to preserve its ability to wage a determined campaign against Hezbollah regardless of American pressure. In his view, if Netanyahu stands firm “without hesitation and without blinking,” public opinion will reward him even though he is politically weakened.

Asked whether critics would say such moves damage ties with the United States or are driven by domestic politics, Rimmon replied that opponents “always say” such things and accused many of them of speaking from partisan motives. He said their earlier praise for Netanyahu over the need to strike Iran shows that their current attacks are inconsistent.

Rimmon also said Netanyahu should focus on winning back about 10 mandates, voters who have left Likud and are now with Naftali Bennett, Gadi Eisenkot, and Avigdor Liberman. He said a tough stance on the United States and a fight with Hezbollah could help return those voters to Likud. He added that Netanyahu should restore a sense of national unity by pausing controversial legislation while Israel confronts Lebanon and Iran, a step he believes would be widely welcomed.