Netanyahu claims victory over Iran – but polling shows many Israelis don't trust him
June 28, 2025
In a recent speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed victory over Iran, asserting that his government's policies had curbed Iran's influence in the region. However, a closer look at local polling data reveals a significant lack of trust in Netanyahu's claims among the Israeli public. Despite the Prime Minister's bold assertions, a widening gap in approval ratings suggests that many Israelis are skeptical of his handling of the alleged threat from Iran.
The Polls
A recent survey by the Israeli Democracy Institute found that only 47% of Israelis believe Netanyahu's claims about the threat posed by Iran, while a staggering 67% think he is trying to convince them that Iran is a greater threat than it appears. This lack of trust could be due to Netanyahu's historically contentious relationship with the Iranian government, which has been characterized by antagonistic rhetoric and a lack of diplomatic engagement. With the next Israeli election on the horizon, it's clear that Netanyahu's aggressive anti-Iran stance is not resonating with the broader population and may even be backfiring.
The Response
Many Israelis are calling for a shift in strategy, advocating increased diplomacy and dialogue with the Iranian government. Despite the significant differences between the two nations, some argue that engaging in talks could help de-escalate tensions and potentially lead to more stable and constructive relations in the long term. With Iran already experiencing severe international sanctions, there may be a case for more pragmatic, peacemaking approaches that could help alleviate tensions in the region.
The Diplomatic Challenge
Others argue that given the Netanyahu's hawkish stance against Iran, any shift towards diplomacy would be challenging. His consistent references to the existential threat posed by Iran's nuclear program and accusations of Iranian interference in regional affairs have dominated Israeli security discourse for years. Thus, any move away from this position would be politically risky for the Prime Minister and his party.