The perception in Tel Aviv that Israel’s influence in Washington’s policymaking is waning is growing. Doubts are growing about how effective Israel’s role will be in any potential diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. The confidence that existed a few months ago that it was on the verge of regional dominance is now fading.
According to Israeli analyst Ori Goldberg, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of quickly ending the war in Gaza, bowing to US pressure. Israel’s influence in Lebanon is shrinking, and its hands are practically tied in Syria. Washington has also ignored Israeli objections by involving Qatar and Turkey in the Gaza issue.
The US is pressuring Netanyahu to reach an agreement with the new government in Syria. Hezbollah-Israel tensions in Lebanon are also believed to be dependent on Washington’s ‘green light’. Israel’s influence on the Iran issue is even more uncertain – there are even fears that the US could sidestep Israeli concerns and enter into negotiations.
Former Netanyahu aide Mitchell Barak said Donald Trump could be on the path of agreement rather than conflict, which would increase Israel’s security concerns. According to Chatham House’s Yossi Meckleberg, Iran is Israel’s ‘Big Bad Wolf’; a potential conflict could help distract Netanyahu from his domestic crises – corruption cases, the judiciary reform debate and the security failure of October 7.
But analysts believe that the threat of conflict is more effective for Netanyahu than actual war. The lack of credible political alternatives and diplomatic constraints with the United States are helping him survive.
Source: Al-Jazeera