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The ongoing conflict with Iran has provided Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with several strategic and domestic advantages, effectively addressing five key problems
The war has helped Netanyahu redefine his political trajectory, say experts. (AP File)
The Israeli military on Sunday confirmed that a fresh barrage of missiles was launched from Iran towards Israeli territory, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing aerial offensive. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the Israeli Home Front Command stated that “rescue crews are heading to central Israel” following reports of a strike during the first phase of the bombardment.
However, according to experts and analysts, the war could also solve five key problems for Netanyahu.
What Israel has said
Al Jazeera noted that the Israeli military has “identified a new wave of missiles launched from Iran towards Israel,” marking the second such high-alert status triggered within a single hour.
Local media outlets, including Channel 12, have reported that the impact of the strikes is already being felt on the ground. At least one person was reportedly injured in the city of Holon during the initial engagement. Furthermore, Al Jazeera reported that “explosions have been heard in central Israel” shortly after the projectiles were detected entering Israeli airspace.
In response to the persistent threat, the Israeli military confirmed that its “air defences are currently working to intercept a new wave of Iranian missiles”. This defensive operation is part of a broader effort to neutralise what the military described as an incoming threat aimed at various urban and strategic centres across the country. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli Army Radio has reported that approximately “150 injured individuals arrived at the Soroka Medical Centre” following Iranian strikes directed at Dimona and Arad.
As the second wave of the attack continues, the Israeli military reiterated that its “air defence systems are working to intercept the incoming threat” in an attempt to mitigate further damage.
How it may address 5 key problems of Benjamin Netanyahu
The ongoing conflict with Iran has provided Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with several strategic and domestic advantages, effectively addressing five key problems, according to an assessment by Al Jazeera and other news reports:
1. Political survival and polling resilience: The war has helped Netanyahu redefine his political trajectory by boosting his image as a “strong wartime leader.” While his coalition still faces challenges in polling for upcoming elections, the conflict has created a national consensus that masks deeper political fragilities.
2. Diversion from domestic legal troubles: Intense military focus has diverted public and international attention away from Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial. This has allowed him to push for legislative changes, such as attempts to split the attorney general’s powers, while the country is unified in a state of emergency.
3. Mitigation of post-October 7 accountability: By shifting the primary security narrative from the failures of October 7 to the existential threat of Iran, Netanyahu has stalled calls for a national inquiry into the security lapses that preceded the Hamas-led attacks.
4. Strategic neutralisation of regional threats: The war has allowed Israel to decimate Iran’s military capacity, including its nuclear enrichment sites and missile systems. Analysts note this “mowing the grass” strategy aims to set Iran back economically and militarily for years, effectively removing a potential existential threat.
5. Consolidation of the US Alliance under Trump: The conflict has deepened the military partnership with the United States. Netanyahu has successfully navigated the relationship with President Donald Trump to secure coordinated military action, ensuring high-level American support despite emerging differences over specific targets like Iranian gas fields.
US-Israel-Iran war: What happened on March 22?
On March 22, 2026, the ongoing war between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran saw a dramatic escalation, marked by rare Iranian missile penetrations into Israel and a severe ultimatum from the United States regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to “obliterate” its power plants—starting with the largest—if the strategic waterway is not fully reopened to all shipping. Iranian missiles successfully breached Israeli air defences in the south, directly hitting the cities of Dimona and Arad. Over 180 people were wounded in these southern towns. Dimona is home to Israel’s primary nuclear research facility; the IAEA confirmed it was aware of the impact but reported no damage to the nuclear centre itself.
In immediate retaliation for the southern Israel hits, the IDF launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting “terror regime targets” in the heart of Tehran.
US-Iran-Israel War Live Updates HERE
A rocket strike from Lebanon killed one person in northern Israel’s Galilee region, marking the first Israeli fatality from the Lebanese front since the war began. In response, PM Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military to accelerate the demolition of “frontline villages” in southern Lebanon.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported intercepting multiple Iranian missiles and drones, while Saudi Arabia detected three ballistic missiles targeted at the Riyadh area.
Saudi Arabia ordered the Iranian military attaché and four embassy staff to leave the country within 24 hours, declaring them persona non grata due to continued attacks.
Iran reportedly targeted the joint UK-US base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean with long-range missiles. While the attack was unsuccessful, it signalled an advancement in Iran’s strike range.
The war continues to drive up global energy and food costs. Countries like Sri Lanka saw fuel prices surge by 25% on this day, while the UK and India held emergency meetings to manage the economic fallout.
KEY FAQs
How could an Iran war help Netanyahu politically?
Netanyahu has faced pressure over security failures (like the 2023 attacks) and corruption cases. A major conflict can boost support and delay political challenges
Does it shift focus away from Gaza and domestic issues?
Yes. The attention will now move away from Gaza war controversies, hostage crisis and internal protests. Analysts note Iran conflict can “reframe” his leadership narrative and shift public debate.
Can it improve Israel’s global standing?
Fighting Iran could bring support from Western and some regional countries, reduce Israel’s diplomatic isolation. This could help Netanyahu rebuild international backing.
With ANI, agency inputs
March 22, 2026, 6:13 PM IST
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