Netanyahu Left with Vague Promises After Another War Ends Without a Decisive Win

The Prospect of Trump Bringing the U.S. Back Into an Unpopular War Without a Clear Path to Achieving His Goals Appears Remote

Under Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, there is no question that Israel hammered Iran and its proxies with its outstretched arm. But the decisive victory that Netanyahu promised continues to evade him. Image: February 5, 2025

And this, it seems, is how it may end.

Not with the dramatic death of Iran’s “whole civilization,” in the words of US President Donald Trump’s threat, but a two-week ceasefire with Iran that looks likely to leave the Islamic Republic in a position to survive and rebuild after nearly 40 days of war.

The Trump administration, of course, is saying that it won.

“This is a victory for the United States of America,” crowed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Israel, which wanted to keep fighting, has been more circumspect, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying Israel “has more goals to complete,” in a video statement released after the ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect.

“Nothing is over yet,” said Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. “I don’t see how it is possible to bridge the positions of the US and Iran.”

Published originally on April 9, 2026.

Read the full article at the Times of Israel.

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Lazar Berman

Lazar Berman is the diplomatic correspondent at the Times of Israel, where he also covers Christian Affairs. He holds an M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University and taught at Salahuddin University in Iraqi Kurdistan. Berman is a reserve captain in the IDF’s Commando Brigade and served in a Bedouin unit during his active service.