Iran Has Been "Like a Religion" For Israel's Netanyahu | The Mishal Husain Show

Why It Matters

Understanding the political underpinnings of Israel’s war on Iran reveals how conflict can be leveraged to postpone elections and cement leadership, influencing both domestic governance and regional security dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Netanyahu frames Iran as existential, quasi‑religious threat for decades
• War timing aligns with upcoming Israeli elections, boosting Netanyahu’s leverage
• Conflict provides operational advantage, enabling strategic strikes against Iran
• Prolonged war sustains Netanyahu’s political dominance and public support
• Active hostilities make election postponement politically feasible for government

Summary

The interview centers on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s framing of Iran as an existential, almost religious adversary and how that narrative intertwines with Israel’s current military actions. Hostilities that erupted in June and have resurfaced now are presented not only as a response to regional threats but also as a strategic lever ahead of Israel’s looming national elections.

The discussion highlights three intertwined motives: a long‑standing ideological crusade against Tehran, an operational window that Israeli forces can exploit, and a political calculus that benefits Netanyahu. By portraying Iran as a perpetual menace, the prime minister reinforces a national security agenda that dovetails with his personal electoral interests, especially since campaigning during active conflict is politically untenable.

Notable remarks include Netanyahu’s own words that “Iran has been like a religion for four decades,” and the observation that “it is very difficult to go to elections when you’re in the middle of a war.” These statements underscore how the war narrative is being weaponized to sustain a state of emergency, thereby delaying democratic processes.

The implications are profound: the conflict may serve more as a domestic power‑consolidation tool than a purely security‑driven operation, potentially reshaping Israel’s political landscape and affecting regional stability. International partners will need to assess whether Israel’s military posture is driven by genuine threat mitigation or by internal political imperatives.

Original Description

“For Netanyahu, Iran has been like a religion for four decades.”

RAND Israel Policy Chair Shira Efron tells Mishal Husain about the motives behind the Israeli prime minister’s decision to go to war in Iran.

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