❗️Israeli opinion piece: Netanyahu appeared 'deflated' in latest speech amid mounting pressure from Iran, Hezbollah and Trump

In an opinion piece for The Jerusalem Post, veteran Israeli journalist Ben Caspit wrote that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared unusually subdued during a pre-recorded statement on Monday, describing him as looking "deflated" and resembling a "kid who lost his balloon."

The contrast, Caspit argued, was striking compared to Netanyahu's years of speeches promising "absolute victory," as Israel now finds itself facing growing challenges on multiple fronts.

Caspit argued that Netanyahu may once again try to present a strategic shift as a personal achievement, but that the regional reality tells a different story. "What began as military strikes against Hamas has escalated to strikes targeting Iran," he wrote. "Israel, once able to act freely in southern Lebanon and strike Dahiye as needed, now faces the reality of Iranian threats promising ballistic retaliation for any future action in the area."

He added that Hezbollah continues launching drones and rockets, Hamas is rebuilding strength in Gaza, and US President Donald Trump is nearing an agreement with Iran that many in Israel view as a strategic defeat for Tel Aviv.

The columnist also painted a bleak picture of Israel's ability to sustain a prolonged confrontation with Tehran. "Israel is not equipped to sustain rounds against Iran," Caspit wrote. "The economy cannot absorb the strain, the public cannot endure it, and the defense establishment faces serious operational challenges." He argued that despite years of military successes, Israel is increasingly unable to impose its will on any front, while Iran has emerged from successive confrontations feeling emboldened, determined to seek revenge, and more committed than ever to pursuing strategic deterrence.

Caspit further highlighted signs of diminishing Israeli leverage, noting Trump's public remark that Netanyahu would sign any agreement he presented and that "only I decide."

He described recent Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and Iran as limited and largely symbolic, saying the Beirut strike hit empty offices while attacks on Iran deliberately avoided sensitive infrastructure.

The columnist concluded that Netanyahu's leadership has become defined by a paradox in which claims of victory are increasingly overshadowed by mounting strategic setbacks, leaving Israel facing growing threats with few clear paths toward long-term security.