Netanyahu’s Election Clock Ticks as Israel Accepts Global Isolation

Israel’s government is growing less concerned about international criticism, focusing instead on security and domestic politics. That is the view of Dr. Aaron Y. Zelin, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Speaking with Annette Young, Zelin said Israel’s recent military actions in the West Bank and Syria reflect a broader strategic shift. Since October 7, the government has prioritized its own security needs, even if that means deeper diplomatic isolation. Domestic politics play a key role. With elections approaching, some recent operations can be understood through an electoral lens. Zelin, however, draws a line between that and Israel’s tougher stance toward Turkey. He notes that this confrontational posture toward Ankara predates the current election cycle. As Iran and its regional proxy networks have weakened, officials around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu increasingly view Turkey as a potential future strategic challenge.