As hopes of regime change in Iran fade, Netanyahu faces political test
Israeli leaders are framing the bombing campaign as having transformed the Middle East in their favour as pressure to end the conflict builds.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"This is the culmination of what [Netanyahu] has tried to rebrand as the War of Redemption, which in his mind started on October 7, 2023."
— Neri Zilber , Academic
"We can already say with certainty: this is no longer the same Iran, this is no longer the same Middle East, and this is not the same Israel."
— Benjamin Netanyahu , Politician
"Some of it is permanent, and some of it is semi-permanent."
— Nadav Shoshani , Executive
""Your dreams will become a reality. When the time is right, and that time is fast approaching, we will pass the torch to you. Be ready to seize the moment!""
— Benjamin Netanyahu , Politician
""If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far.""
— Donald Trump , Politician
""I think the war is very much complete, pretty much.""
— Donald Trump , Politician
"can no longer be allowed to exist"
— Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , Politician
"measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars that we end – and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into"
— Donald Trump , Politician
"dirty work Israel is doing for all of us"
— Friedrich Merz , Politician
"Whatever he does, he tries to turn everything to his advantage … This is a guy who never takes responsibility but only credit … Everything is opportunistic and everything is transactional."
— Yossi Mekelberg , Academic
"Netanyahu’s supporters support him even more and opponents oppose him like before."
— Tamar Hermann , Academic
"The operation [against Iran] led by Prime Minister Netanyahu was unquestionably justified, but it also, undeniably, benefited him politically."
— Udi Tenne , Executive
"People are going to give Netanyahu a lot of credit for the operation against Iran and polls show this."
— Lahav Harkov , Academic
""This was never meant to be a fair fight, and it is not a fair fight. We are punching them while they’re down.""
— Pete Hegseth , Executive
""The main target is the calculus in Washington that [Mr. Trump and Israel] can just wage a war and then call a ceasefire, and that things will get back to normal.""
— Hassan Ahmadian , Academic
Key People
Abbas Araghchi is the Foreign Minister of Iran.
Ali Khamenei was the Supreme Leader of Iran until his death.
The Supreme Leader of Iran who has issued threats against US forces.
Supreme Leader of Iran.
Benjamin Netanyahu is the prime minister of Israel.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
German Chancellor.
Assistant professor of Middle East and North Africa studies at Tehran University.
A senior political correspondent at the US-based Jewish Insider.
Iran's Supreme Leader who is involved in ongoing peace negotiations.
Lt Col Nadav Shoshani is a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces.
Neri Zilber is a journalist based in Tel Aviv and a policy advisor.
Pete Hegseth is the United States Secretary of Defense.
Richard Hermer is the Attorney General reportedly warning against illegal involvement in the war.
Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
A special envoy involved in negotiations with Iran.
A specialist in public opinion at the Israel Democracy Institute.
A strategic adviser and campaign manager for ministers in the current government.
Maj Gen Yaakov Amidror is a former Israeli national security adviser and senior fellow at a think tank.
Yossi Mekelberg is a Middle East analyst at Chatham House.
Tags
All Coverage
Israeli leaders are framing the bombing campaign as having transformed the Middle East in their favour as pressure to end the conflict builds.
An analysis of Prime Minister Netanyahu's strategic opportunities in reshaping the Middle East, focusing on the potential collapse of Iran's regime.
An examination of Netanyahu's political future following the war with Iran, considering public opinion and internal political dynamics.
A report on Iran's response to the U.S. and Israeli military intervention, highlighting the regime's resilience despite the threat.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to prepare for regime change, stating that the time is approaching for them to 'seize the moment.'
An editorial discussing the Israeli airstrikes on Iran and the potential for regime change, highlighting the lack of a clear exit strategy for Netanyahu.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Israelis demand accountability over 7 October failures three years after attacks
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to take any personal responsibility for what happened or order a state inquiry.
October 7, 2026 at 04:00 PMResidents of kibbutz destroyed in 7 October Hamas-led attacks grapple with how to rebuild
Three years on from the attack on Nir Oz, in which 47 people were killed and 76 taken hostage, some survivors have returned to live there.
October 7, 2026 at 05:02 AMAnalysis: Trump's shock Russia deal highlights mounting pressure to curb fuel prices
The US president hopes to ease his party's pain before next month's midterm elections, writes the BBC's North America correspondent.
October 9, 2026 at 10:30 PMMost UK diplomats to leave East Jerusalem consulate, Israel says, as Miliband says 'vital services' to remain
Israel said in September it would act in response to UK sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
October 8, 2026 at 08:18 AMEXCLUSIVE: Palestinians set to delay legislative elections due to worsening conditions, letter says - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Palestinians set to delay legislative elections due to worsening conditions, letter says Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 10:47 AMOil gains as traders weigh Gulf tensions against strong Mideast exports - Reuters
Oil gains as traders weigh Gulf tensions against strong Mideast exports Reuters
October 6, 2026 at 12:39 AM