Netanyahu’s Legacy

Step into the way of humility and listen with the ears of our heart

When I tried to understand these things, *
it was too hard for me;
Until I entered the sanctuary of God *
and discerned the end of the wicked.
Surely, you set them in slippery places; *
you cast them down in ruin.
Oh, how suddenly do they come to destruction, *
come to an end, and perish from terror!
Like a dream when one awakens, O Lord, *
when you arise you will make their image vanish.
Psalm 73​:16-20 Quam bonus Israel!

The New York Times (NYT), is broadly and routinely critical of Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Free Press (FP) is pretty much in Israel's corner all the time with a more divided stance toward the Prime Minister. Both publications have published articles in the last few days on Netanyahu’s Legacy.

In my ongoing effort to help people be confused and curious, let's look at the two articles. The point here isn't to decide some final truth. That is God's business. It is to invite ourselves to look at two somewhat different ways of exploring the same issue. Most people reading this are going to be inclined to tilt toward one or the other. Fair enough. Certainly true for me. But in these days of anger and rage, I wonder if it might do us Christian some good to step into the way of humility and listen with the ears of our heart to people who don't see things the same way we do.

From the New York Times: Striking the Heart of the Iranian Regime, Netanyahu Looks to His Legacy

“After years of advocating for the overwhelming use of force to quell that danger, Mr. Netanyahu finally seems ready to turn his threats into action — perhaps, analysts said, with an eye on his place in Israeli history…For him, this is personal — for 25 years, he has been talking about this,” said Nadav Shtrauchler, a former adviser to Mr. Netanyahu, and an Israeli political analyst. “This is the big picture that he has been aiming for. This is his legacy.”

From The Free Press: How the Iran Strikes Seal Netanyahu’s Legacy

“One quiet evening in Israel, 12 years ago, Benjamin Netanyahu appeared on Eretz Nehederet, Israel’s equivalent of Saturday Night Live. After the laughter subsided, a serious question arose: “How do you think people will remember your premiership?” Netanyahu replied briefly: ‘As the protector of Israel’s security.’ … And so Netanyahu’s life mission became dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Over the years, in meetings with U.S. presidents, the incumbent president would raise the Palestinian issue, while Netanyahu would focus on the Iranian threat. Menachem Begin destroyed Iraq’s nuclear reactor in 1981, Ehud Olmert did the same to Syria’s reactor in 2007, and Netanyahu vowed to do likewise with Iran.

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.​ (Ecclesiastes 12:​13-14​)

How about Gaza? How about the danger of a wider war?

The NYT article: “Mr. Netanyahu now risks embroiling the region, and potentially, the United States, in conflict as he faces domestic turmoil at home and greater international censure over his conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza….Eventually, it could also present Mr. Netanyahu with an opportunity to end the war in Gaza, Mr. Shtrauchler said. For more than a year, Mr. Netanyahu has refused to consider a permanent truce in Gaza without Hamas’s complete defeat there, amid strong resistance to such an outcome from his right-wing allies. By inflicting meaningful wounds on Hamas’s biggest benefactor, Iran, it may be easier for Mr. Netanyahu to compromise in Gaza, Mr. Shtrauchler said.

The FP article: “But October 7, 2023, paved the way for June 13, 2025. Previously, the primary concern in Israel was that attacking Iran would trigger devastating retaliation from Hezbollah and Hamas. But with both now neutralized, a strike on Iran wouldn’t spark a regional war—it would end one.”

As Jesus came near and saw Jerusalem, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!​ (Luke 19:​41​-42)

President Trump's role

The NYT article: “Finally, the election of President Trump widened the window of opportunity. Though Mr. Trump pursued a diplomatic arrangement with Iran over its nuclear ambitions and even asked Mr. Netanyahu to delay the strike, the president at times seemed more willing than President Biden to entertain the idea of an attack.”

The FP article: “According to sources in the Israeli government, the plans for this strike were developed in November when, after Trump’s election and shortly before the ceasefire in Lebanon, Netanyahu signed a written directive to advance the plan that was put into action early in the morning of June 13…The main mission was to get the United States to permit the strike. After months of efforts led by Netanyahu and Israeli minister of strategic affairs Ron Dermer—including previously undisclosed meetings—the green light was given. The U.S. position ranged between ‘allowing’ and ‘supporting.’ In meetings between Netanyahu and Trump, the prime minister told the president, “Surprise is success,” according to sources familiar with the matter.”

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
The Song of Simeon Nunc dimittis

This abides,

Brother Robert, OA

The Feast of First Book of Common Prayer, 1549

If you are interested in another piece on the legacy issue see New York Times from October 10, 2023: As War Rages, Netanyahu Battles for Reputation and Legacy “If Israel considers itself in a battle for its life, its longtime prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is battling for his reputation and his legacy. After leading Israel for nearly 16 years in total and priding himself on bringing the country prosperity and security, Mr. Netanyahu, 73, now confronts the vivid failure of his own policies toward the Palestinians — presiding over what many Israelis are calling the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.”