Israel’s ‘Super‑Sparta’ Isolation Gamble

Netanyahu’s recent speech touts a turn toward autarky and strategic isolation—what he calls a 'super‑Sparta' posture—amid growing international estrangement. The article argues this is a Masada‑style misreading of history: the iconic siege was fanatical, likely misreported, and strategically pointless, so using it as a state myth risks repeating failure. It urges re‑opening to alliances and trade rather than doubling down on siege‑state identity. — Casting Israel’s strategic choice as isolation versus re‑engagement, with Masada as the cautionary frame, sharpens policy debate on security, economy, and alliances after a year of global backlash.