The article argues that the ceasefire agreement with Iran arrived at a bad moment for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leaving him politically weakened and financially under pressure. Markets reacted coolly, with sharp losses in financial stocks, a brief drop in the dollar followed by a recovery, and only the fall in oil prices seen as a clear positive. The writer says Netanyahu and his allies are now treating Donald Trump, once celebrated in Likud circles, with open hostility after previously hailing him as a savior.
The piece says Netanyahu is also dodging responsibility on the October 7, 2023 massacre. It notes that he promised a full inquiry and made that commitment in a petition to the High Court of Justice, but is now pushing a political commission tailored to his needs. The author adds that he has similarly broken other promises, including holding early Likud primaries, and is threatening to leave Likud and found a new party if he does not get his way.
According to the article, the Likud leadership is preparing internal moves that would protect Netanyahu and his son Yair, while harming lawmakers who have supported him on controversial votes, such as the state comptroller election, the draft exemption law, attacks on Supreme Court leaders, and protection for MK Tally Gotliv. The writer says Netanyahu is demanding more time in office, even if it is only one extra month, while paying the ultra-Orthodox parties in full through budget concessions.
On the economic side, the article says Netanyahu has not delivered the promised postwar prosperity, but instead is advancing a “Sparta” vision marked by isolation, higher defense spending, and deepening deficits. It cites 44 billion shekels in additional defense needs, a promise of 350 billion shekels for the military in his speech this week, 1.3 billion shekels in coalition funds, and a further 430 million shekels for religious councils. The author concludes that every day without dissolving the Knesset or a plea deal causes damage to citizens, even if not yet irreparable.
