Israel has long fought a shadow war with Iran while avoiding all-out conflict. Now Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is risking it all in pursuit of a conclusive victory.

Not a religious man, Netanyahu nonetheless often gave the impression that he believed he was placed in power for this purpose: to stop Iran. He saw himself as a lone figure on the hill, watching the storm clouds gather while others looked away—warning that action was needed, and vowing to take it if no one else would.