In Tel Aviv, events unfolded rapidly as Israel escalated its operations against Iran. Just a day before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a fierce attack targeting Iran, Israel’s opposition parties were contemplating efforts to destabilize his government. However, as the confrontation with Iran intensified, the opposition unexpectedly united in support, setting aside their prolonged criticisms of Netanyahu and his managerial choices regarding the conflict in Gaza.
The decision by the opposition represents a dramatic shift, particularly from a group that had been vociferously challenging Netanyahu for his decisions, which they argued were fueled by political interests. “This isn’t the time for political maneuvering,” stated Yair Lapid, the opposition leader and former Prime Minister, in an interview following the commencement of actions against Iran. The conflict erupted after Israel attacked Iran’s military leaders and nuclear sites, actions it deemed necessary to prevent Iran from progressing toward nuclear weapon development — an enterprise Israeli authorities find perilous. Meanwhile, Iran insists its nuclear agenda is peaceful.
Lapid’s remarks came shortly after he advocated for Netanyahu’s removal from power in the Israeli parliament, a move that narrowly failed. Yet, he acknowledged the pressing nature of current circumstances. “Certainly, this administration must be challenged, but not amid this crucial struggle,” Lapid expressed, especially as his own son’s residence suffered damage from an Iranian strike, fortunately without any injuries.
In Israel, it’s customary for politicians across different factions to rally around governmental measures during crises. Still, the enduring political division, largely fueled by perceptions of Netanyahu, compounds the opposition’s sudden loyalty to his military strategies. The recent period has been particularly tumultuous for Israel, marked by the devastating Hamas-led attack in October 2023 — the country’s deadliest, which triggered the ongoing Gaza conflict, alongside hostilities with Hezbollah in Lebanon and escalating tensions with Iran.
Netanyahu, a polarizing figure who has governed for nearly 16 years, is currently embroiled in a corruption trial and depends on far-right allies to sustain his government. Detractors argue he’s extending the Gaza war to satisfy these partners and delay elections that might end his reign. Nevertheless, Netanyahu maintains he’s prioritizing Israeli interests, which the opposition, including Lapid’s Yesh Atid party, previously challenged. Yet, post-Iran operation, Lapid and opposition leaders publicly supported the military undertakings.
“We didn’t align with the government but with the necessity of seizing the inevitable moment,” Lapid clarified from his office in Tel Aviv. Known for his media background and short tenure as a caretaker prime minister, Lapid’s political journey has experienced significant turns since he first entered the scene in 2013.
During much of the war, Lapid and fellow opposition members pressured Netanyahu to engage with Hamas for the release of hostages in Gaza. In a parliamentary address last month, marking 600 days since the Gaza conflict’s onset, Lapid criticized Netanyahu for instigating a war absent during his own leadership.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s political standing, predominantly dimmed amidst Middle Eastern strife, occasionally surged due to military achievements, such as a prior bout with Hezbollah. The Iranian operation could similarly enhance his public support if it garners widespread approval.
Before the operation, surveys indicated a challenging path for Netanyahu in forming a coalition should elections materialize in the near future. These polls suggested Lapid’s party, albeit currently Israel’s second-largest, might see substantial declines in backing. However, for Lapid, the stakes of this military engagement surpass political calculations. “Executing the Iran strike was imperative,” Lapid asserted, acknowledging his rivalry with Netanyahu but recognizing the actions taken as warranted. “Despite being a profound adversary,” Lapid remarked, “Netanyahu was correct in this instance.”