Israel backs US-Iran ceasefire but Netanyahu’s war goals remain unfulfilled

Israel backs US-Iran ceasefire but Netanyahu’s war goals remain unfulfilled

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran in late February was marked by confidence. Yet, the recent statement from his office about the ceasefire felt more cautious, underscoring that President Donald Trump had driven the agreement. This contrast stood in sharp relief against the US and Iran’s celebratory claims of major wins after five weeks of conflict.

Netanyahu’s remarks on Wednesday highlighted that the pause in hostilities was not a definitive end. He stressed Israel’s ongoing commitment to further aims, whether through diplomacy or renewed combat. The ceasefire’s impact on Israel’s strategic position remains unclear, as the war’s original objectives—ending Iran’s threat and altering its ruling structure—have not been realized.

At the outset, Netanyahu declared the operation’s aim was to “eliminate the Ayatollah regime’s threat” and vowed it would continue “as long as necessary.” However, Iran’s armed forces remain operational, and its clerical leadership still holds power. While Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and others were targeted, the nuclear program and uranium stockpile persist. Additionally, Iran has maintained its missile attacks, with multiple launches reported in Jerusalem even after the ceasefire.

Netanyahu’s Unmet Objectives

Netanyahu’s failure to achieve his stated goals has drawn criticism. Anshel Pfeffer, a veteran Israeli journalist and Netanyahu’s biographer, noted that the prime minister had only referred to a “suspension” of fighting, without fully endorsing the ceasefire. “This outcome is not favorable for Netanyahu,” Pfeffer said, warning that a “rift” with the US might emerge if Israel’s role in the agreement was sidelined.

“Netanyahu failed politically, failed strategically, and did not meet any of the goals he himself set,” Yair Lapid, leader of Israel’s opposition, said. “The army did everything they asked of it, the public displayed incredible resilience, but Netanyahu’s ambitions were unfulfilled.”

Lapid called the situation a “political disaster” unmatched in Israel’s history, emphasizing that the nation was excluded from critical decisions about its security. “Israel was not even at the table when decisions were made concerning the core of our national security,” he added.

Shira Efron, RAND Corporation’s Israel policy chair, highlighted Netanyahu’s promises to end the Islamic regime, likening it to “cutting off the snake’s head.” However, she argued the ceasefire was a “hard” sell for Israelis, as the nuclear and missile threats endured. “There hasn’t been a discernible difference for those sheltering from attacks,” she said, despite facilities being hit and capabilities reduced.

Yossi Kuperwasser, former Israeli military intelligence officer and JISS director, contrasted “practical achievable goals” with “wishful goals.” He claimed the former were met, with Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure significantly weakened. The unmet aspirations—like sparking a revolution—were seen as uncertain but still meaningful, as they impacted Iran’s leadership and capabilities.