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Commentary
Wall Street Journal

Benjamin Netanyahu’s Triumphal Week

By ignoring Western delusions and attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel’s leader has served Western interests.

walter_russell_mead
walter_russell_mead
Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 27, 2024.  (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Caption
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 27, 2024. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has had one of the best weeks in the history of modern politics. Just a few days ago, the streets of Israel were filled with protesters. Obstreperous coalition allies sought to tie his hands. Team Biden rebuked his lack of vision and courage. Diplomats from many countries boycotted Mr. Netanyahu’s United Nations appearance while Iran’s call for moderation and calm was widely praised.

Team Biden offered the usual advice: Don’t escalate. Don’t provoke Hezbollah. Make still more concessions to get to yes with Hamas. Don’t anger Iran when the “moderates” are staging a comeback.

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