Netanyahu’s legacy of failure?

Israel’s longest-serving prime minister has great accomplishments to his credit, but in the end, his story will likely prove a tragic one.

It is far too early to write Benjamin Netanyahu’s political obituary. If he is anything, he is an inveterate survivor. Nonetheless, there are strong indications that his tenure may be coming to an end.

The failures that led to the Oct. 7 massacre will have profound political repercussions in the 2026 elections, and Netanyahu will probably not survive them. The outcome of the ongoing war remains uncertain, and without a decisive victory, Netanyahu’s career is almost certainly doomed.

Moreover, his health appears to be deteriorating. He looks increasingly frail, emaciated, and exhausted. Like Joe Biden, physical infirmity may compel Netanyahu, very reluctantly, to relinquish his office.

It seems, then, that it is not entirely inappropriate to attempt some kind of assessment of Netanyahu’s legacy and whether it has been, on the whole, a success or a failure.

1. Due credit

Such an assessment is obligated to give the man due credit. After all, Netanyahu holds the distinction of being Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, a remarkable achievement in Israel’s political system, which is volatile to say the least.

Netanyahu’s longevity is a testament to his exceptional political acumen. He has demonstrated remarkable skill in outmaneuvering, co-opting, or neutralizing rivals on a constantly shifting political landscape.

He has also successfully cultivated the most coveted asset among politicians: a fervently loyal political base personally devoted to him, a feat comparable to that achieved by Donald Trump and Barack Obama in the United States. Moreover, this base of supporters extends well beyond Israel and includes many conservative leaders in the United States.