Netanyahu's security-through-force strategy has failed Israel and must be abandoned
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/jonathanfreedland. "Netanyahu-ism has achieved nothing for Israelis – and come at a monstrously high price | Jonathan Freedland | The Guardian." April 10, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
The author argues that Netanyahu's strategy of trying to achieve security through military force alone has completely backfired. Despite years of wars and promises of 'total victory,' Israel's enemies are still there and often stronger, while Israel has become more isolated internationally and its citizens less secure.
Conclusion
Netanyahu's approach of relying solely on military force to achieve security has been a complete failure that has made Israel less secure and more isolated
Premises
- Despite promises of 'total victory,' Netanyahu failed to eliminate Hamas from Gaza after two years of brutal bombardment
- Claims of vanquishing Hezbollah proved false when the group rebuilt and resumed attacks on northern Israel
- The war on Iran left Tehran stronger and more capable of threatening neighbors despite promises of 'obliterating' their nuclear program
- Netanyahu's military-first approach only provides temporary respite as enemies rebuild stronger than before
- Netanyahu fails to convert military achievements into lasting political security through diplomacy
- This strategy has inflicted irreparable damage on Israel's international standing and made the country more of a pariah
- Israeli civilians have suffered through constant bomb shelter stays and lockdowns with no lasting security gains
Assumptions
- Military force alone cannot provide lasting security
- Diplomatic solutions and accommodation with neighbors are necessary for true security
- Israel's international standing matters for its long-term security
- The Israeli public will judge Netanyahu primarily on security outcomes
- Alternative approaches to Netanyahu's strategy exist and could be more effective