Title: Netanyahu‘s Summit: A Political Pinnacle or a Photo Op Too Far?
Article:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to have a preference: he’d rather breathe the fresh air atop Mount Hermon than inhale the smell of smoldering ruins in Ne-FM. But the Daily Haaretz reports that Netanyahu’s primary concern is his public image, not the images of destruction left by the conflict. After all, it’s his control over his image that led him to the witness stand, and it’s at the heart of his defense in his corruption cases.
Netanyahu is no stranger to stage management. Every photo op, every video clip is meticulously planned. His wardrobe is as strategic as his messaging: the blue tie in his office, the red tie with US Republican politicos, and the "inyeklo" jacket during military visits. Each is a carefully cultivated persona.
After weeks of fruitless searching, Netanyahu finally found the triumphant image he’d been seeking since October 7: a photo of him raising the Israeli flag atop Mount Hermon in Syria. The devastating defeat Israel suffered against Hamas last fall has been transformed into a victory reminiscent of the Six-Day War. Netanyahu isn’t just celebrating a win over Hamas, Hezbollah, and Syria, he’s also bombed Yemen and Iran, expanded Israeli territory in the Golan, and done so with minimal Israeli casualties or international outcry.
Netanyahu couldn’t let this opportunity pass. He flew to the summit of Mount Hermon, dawning a protective jacket and declaring that the land will remain under Israeli control until a new deal is made (read: forever, or, in his words, "we’ll decide what’s best"). This isn’t the first time he’s posed for photos in the Golan Heights, but this time, he’s at the very peak, the new Israeli-controlled peak.
The focus on Netanyahu’s northern tours is stark when compared to the places he hasn’t visited, like Nir Oz kibbutz, left unprotected on October 7. Many of its residents are still in Gaza, others were killed, and the rest struggle to rebuild their lives and community. Netanyahu’s triumphant pose contrasts sharply with the destruction they left behind.
But Netanyahu isn’t alone in his photo op pursuit. Security chiefs also prefer to appear on Mount Hermon, boasting about destroyed weapons in Syria instead of facing inquiries about their performance before and during Operation Breaking Dawn. As Haaretz puts it, it’s a preemptive strike – an attempt to overshadow upcoming investigations.
This isn’t just about distracting from Netanyahu’s failures, but also Israel’s complex relationship with Syria, dating back centuries. From their biblical roots to the present day, Syria has been Israel’s most formidable foe and, at times, partner in peace talks. Their shared history is filled with victories and setbacks, from the Six-Day War to the Syrian nuclear reactor strike.
The question now is whether Netanyahu’s Mount Hermon photo op is a political highpoint or a desperate gamble. Until the truth about Israel’s past peace offers (or lack thereof) comes to light, Netanyahu can savor the mountain air and bask in the glory of his victory pose – and the media will eagerly share the images.
