From Foreign Affairs · Dalia Dassa Kaye · · 2m
Netanyahu's Security Legacy
Netanyahu's hardline policies on Iran and Palestinians will shape Israel's security for decades.
In brief
Netanyahu's hardline policies on Iran and Palestinians will shape Israel's security for decades. Netanyahu's rejection of Palestinian statehood and military confrontation with Iran have become permanent Israeli security norms. Originally reported by Foreign Affairs.
Netanyahu's Political Dominance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dominated Israeli politics for four decades with a vision that rejects Palestinian statehood and prioritizes military confrontation with Iran.
Palestinian Statehood Rejected
Netanyahu's policies have made Palestinian statehood a non-debatable issue in Israeli politics since his 1996 election victory.
Gaza Campaign
Netanyahu presided over a three-year campaign of mass destruction and displacement in Gaza killing more than 70,000 Palestinians.
West Bank Policies
Netanyahu accelerated settlement expansion and built a concrete wall in the West Bank that encroached on Palestinian territory.
Iran Policy Shift
Netanyahu's government launched military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities in 2025 and began a larger war targeting Iranian leadership in February 2025.
Military Confrontation
Israel has escalated military actions against Iran and its proxies including strikes in Tehran and Beirut that killed Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
Opposition's Stance
The opposition coalition led by Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid did not substantially depart from Netanyahu's positions on Palestinian statehood and Iran.
Two-State Future
Netanyahu's policies have made the two-state solution impossible with Palestinians now focused on survival rather than statehood.
Iran War Continues
Israel continues military operations against Iran including missile exchanges in April and October 2024.
Settlement Expansion
Israeli settlers in the West Bank have attacked Palestinians with alarming frequency since the Oslo accords.
Military Strategy
Netanyahu's security vision has become institutionalized with future leaders coloring within lines he drew.
No Palestinian State
No Israeli political leader speaks about ending Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank after October 7, 2023.
Iran Policy Endures
Netanyahu's hardline stance on Iran remains consistent despite opposition from some Israeli officials.
Military Confrontation
Israel has launched military attacks on Gulf Arab states including an airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders in September 2025.
No Change in Policy
Even if Netanyahu loses power, Israel's security approach remains unchanged with settlement expansion and military confrontation continuing.
No Path to Peace
There is no clear path to the two-state future Netanyahu has been determined to avoid after October 7, 2023.
The essence
Netanyahu's rejection of Palestinian statehood and military confrontation with Iran have become permanent Israeli security norms.
