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Wall Street Journal

Benjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 Triumphal Week

By ignoring Western delusions and attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel鈥檚 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鈥檚 United Nations appearance while Iran鈥檚 call for moderation and calm was widely praised.

Team Biden offered the usual advice: Don鈥檛 escalate. Don鈥檛 provoke Hezbollah. Make still more concessions to get to yes with Hamas. Don鈥檛 anger Iran when the 鈥渕oderates鈥� are staging a comeback.

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