Bibi, Forgive Me I was Wrong About You.

For many years, I viewed Benjamin Netanyahu as a politician who excelled in rhetoric but fell short in action. He became known, both among his supporters and his critics in Israel, as a chronic procrastinator. On nearly every issue he addressed, whether it was Hezbollah, Hamas, Iran, free-market economics, national values, or judicial independence, he either did nothing , or used the topic as a political tool without taking concrete steps.

The same was true regarding Iran, a subject he spoke about for years, yet acted upon very little.

Netanyahu was always hesitant and indecisive throughout his career. It was commonly said, even behind closed doors, that he would crumble under pressure in critical moments. Mossad chiefs, prime ministers, and IDF generals all acknowledged this: that he was susceptible to pressure. Now, it seems he has undergone a metamorphosis and become a far more decisive leader. The change began in Lebanon, and continued with his exploitation of opportunities in Syria, though those actions were expected from any Israeli prime minister. But ultimately, the catharsis came in Iran. and with it, the transformation was complete. Interestingly, it was the religious public who said that he changed after October 7. One could have doubted their optimism, but they were right.

It was about five months ago that Netanyahu crossed that inner rubicon reaching an inner realization that the time had come, after 30 years, to act.

In doing so, he began to fully fulfill his declaration on the morning of October 7th - that Israel will reshape the Middle East.

Meanwhile for the first time in decades he began to earn well-deserved praise from Israeli opposition both on the right and left:

Netanyahu is a leader who has made many mistakes. For years, it was difficult for any rational person to defend him. The only argument in his favor, which was not always accurate, was that he was preferable to the Israeli left.

Now, however, he appears to have taken his place on the wings of history. It is fair to criticize him for waiting so long, for bringing Israel to a point where it requires American assistance, and for losing a degree of strategic independence.

Yet at the same time, he has surprised many by standing by his word, and doing so with considerable success.

Therefore, I wish to publicly and formally apologize for the dozens of articles, both in Hebrew and in English, in which I questioned Benjamin Netanyahu and doubted he would ever dare to act; for systematically casting doubt on his character; and, most of all, for being wrong about him.