U.S.-Iran nuclear talks falter...Netanyahu leads preemptive strike

Signs of breakdown in 'denuclearization negotiations'

Attack carried out despite Trump's opposition

Some say it is a 'means to extend political survival'

The Israeli airstrike on Iran was led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump having voiced opposition several times, it is observed that Netanyahu went ahead with the attack on Iran.

According to Israeli security sources, Prime Minister Netanyahu made the decision for this airstrike on the 9th. Foreign media report that throughout the ongoing Gaza war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, he was constantly eyeing an opportunity to strike Iran.

Netanyahu and the Israeli right-wing see Iran, which supports anti-Israel groups, as an existential threat. It is their view that Iran stands behind Middle Eastern groups opposing Israel, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, and that the 'Axis of Resistance' alliance confronting Israel has grown stronger during the Gaza war. Moreover, if Iran completes nuclear weapons, Israel's security will be threatened. With U.S.-Iran nuclear talks sputtering, Israel carried out its surprise attack on Iran.

Regarding Israel's preemptive airstrike, Reuters reported, "President Trump surprised Prime Minister Netanyahu in their April summit by announcing that the U.S. and Iran were planning direct nuclear talks," and analyzed that "Netanyahu, expecting a hardline policy from Trump, would have been angered."

First taking power in 1996, Netanyahu has held office longer than anyone in Israeli history. After losing power due to corruption charges, he returned to office in December 2022 by rallying the far right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish factions.

Some analysts say that the Gaza war and the attack on Iran are methods for Netanyahu to prolong his political career. Others see his assault on Iran as an act of political survival amid dual pressures: indictment by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and his ongoing corruption trial.

Reuters also said, "Polls in Israel show that most believe Netanyahu is maintaining conflict to avoid elections and stay in power," adding, "Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu is still attending his corruption trial and his domestic reputation is damaged."

By Han Kyung-jae, hankyung@hankyung.com