Netanyahu got his Iran war but maybe not his desired result

Jerusalem – After decades of urging the United States to attack Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally got his wish. But after six months of inconclusive hostilities, Israel may ultimately find itself in a worse position than it was before the war. The Islamic republic, which Netanyahu has long cast as an existential threat, has not only survived, but appears emboldened.

Underlying Netanyahu’s dilemma have been the wild swings in the approach of U.S. President Donald Trump, who joined Israel in launching the conflict in late February, but by April abruptly called a ceasefire and sought a negotiated settlement in the face of souring public opinion and soaring oil prices.