During the 24 hours between June 7 and 8, Israel and Iran were on the verge of resuming hostilities, ending the ceasefire that went into effect on April 13. The near-war started when Israel attacked the Dahiyeh, or southern suburb, of Beirut, perhaps the best-known Hezbollah stronghold, violating the ceasefire that went into effect on April 16. Iran, which had made clear that it would retaliate if Israel renewed its attacks on Lebanon, responded by launching several missiles at Israel, while another two were launched from Yemen. Israeli fighter jets scrambled to attack industrial and military targets in Iran. Iran launched more missiles. Sirens sounded throughout Israel, schools were closed and people were once again running to bomb shelters. No wonder Israelis felt as though they were living out a reenactment of the film “Groundhog Day.”
If official reports are to be believed, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in the process of approving plans for a major offensive against Iran when he received a phone call from President Donald Trump, who instructed him to call off the plans and stop the attacks on Iran. Iran declared that it was holding its fire but would respond to any further Israeli violation of the ceasefire in Lebanon or in Iran itself.
How did Israelis respond to the seeming resumption of a war that had never really ended? In Israel, and for Netanyahu especially, every political issue is a partisan issue. His supporters welcomed the renewed attacks, describing them as evidence that Israel could and would take responsibility for its actions. Netanyahu’s critics responded in a more complex fashion. There was plenty of resentment voiced against a war no one seemed to understand. However, not a single Jewish opposition politician criticized Netanyahu’s hunger for war. In fact, the leaders of the opposition continued to describe the Israeli prime minister as incapable and weak, particularly after details of his conversation with Trump emerged. They gave the impression that they would have been tougher with Iran, attacking it with greater force despite Trump’s objections.
This approach reflects the attitude of most Israeli Jews, which is one characterized by resignation. While many expressed personal disdain toward the prime minister, only a single prominent public figure spoke against the renewed attacks. Israeli Jews feel resigned to the fate Netanyahu has assigned them. The Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, seems to have implanted in Israelis the idea that they can only achieve security with war, which they must wage where and when they see fit. This is Netanyahu’s national security doctrine.
Despite appearances, support for this doctrine among the Jewish majority is the most profound consensus in Israeli politics. Israelis don’t like Netanyahu; they don’t approve of a senseless war; they even understand that the war did not achieve anything for them. And yet they reject any attempt to arrive at a nonmilitary solution for their security. They will continue to rally around the flag as soon as that flag is raised. This is the way life is in contemporary Israel. It will not change.
Meanwhile, Trump is threatening retaliation against Iran for downing an Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.