For Bobby Rechnitz, the recent Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear program was not just a military operation; it was the culmination of decades of strategy, restraint, and unrelenting clarity of purpose. The Los Angeles-based philanthropist and real estate developer doesn't speak as a political operative, but rather as someone who has closely watched the chessboard for years and knows exactly who the master player is.
“From the very beginning, he saw it,” Rechnitz said of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Thirty-four, thirty-five years ago, before anyone else was talking about Iran, he identified it as the central threat. And he never stopped.”
Rechnitz has known Netanyahu since the 1980s. They first met in Israel soon after Netanyahu’s time at the United Nations. “He never acted like a typical politician,” he remembers. “He is, and remains, an economist, a strategist, the most insightful person in any room.”
Rechnitz shared that he believes this clarity was crucial in enabling Operation Rising Lion, the Israeli mission that significantly compromised Iran’s nuclear program. While global speculation about the timing and motives persisted, Rechnitz is clear: “This wasn’t political or emotional. It was born from years of intelligence gathering, analyzing the landscape, and recognizing that the time had come.”
The operation’s initial success, characterized by precise strikes with minimal civilian casualties, was not just a military win. To Rechnitz, it marked a turning point in reputation. “It was like the Entebbe raid - such execution restores confidence in Israel worldwide. Suddenly, Washington viewed Israel not just as an ally but as a leader setting an example again.” President Trump’s support followed quickly.
Though Rechnitz doesn’t claim insider knowledge of their conversations, he notices a pattern: “Trump prefers supporting winners. After witnessing Israel’s quick, effective, and decisive operation, he was fully supportive.” Trump is not the only one. US officials from both parties have long admired Netanyahu, even if they don’t openly express it. “Netanyahu has always said that Israel should be a bipartisan issue in America,” Rechnitz explained. “He learned this from his father, who brought Ze’ev Jabotinsky to the US to speak to both political sides.”
A different view of Israel
While headlines tend to focus on university campus protests or critical statements from European parliaments, Rechnitz is more focused on what he calls “the real decision-makers.” He said he believes those in charge of military strategy and foreign policy are now viewing Israel differently.
“They respect strength, precision, and clarity,” he explains. "This is what they saw in this operation. Israel didn’t just defend itself; it did what others couldn’t or wouldn’t do.”
For Rechnitz, the strike on Iran signaled a shift in Israel's regional position. "This wasn’t the act of an aggressor,” he states. "It was a democracy acting responsibly - protecting its future and, in doing so, shaping the region’s future."
He argued that this changing regional environment is closely linked to the momentum of the Abraham Accords. As chairman of the Abraham Accords Roundtable, Rechnitz has been engaged in efforts to deepen and expand these agreements. While countries like the UAE and Morocco often dominate discussions, he believes there is a significant contributor often overlooked.
“Bahrain is the unsung hero of the Abraham Accords,” he says. "As a Shia-majority country, it faces internal pressures that others do not. Yet, even after events like October 7, they didn’t waver. Their leadership held firm, demonstrating real courage.”
Rechnitz has spent considerable time in the Gulf, forging relationships and listening to the local community. In Bahrain, he said, coexistence is genuine. “Jews, Christians, Muslims - they live peacefully together. The Jewish community, though small, is respected. Bahrain doesn’t get the credit it deserves.”
That moment may be approaching. Rechnitz points to a potential upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and Trump as a key opportunity. “When Netanyahu walks into that room, he’s walking in as a statesman. Someone who can call Putin, call Beijing, and say, ‘We’re not looking to escalate, but we will protect ourselves.’ That kind of credibility is rare.”
Rechnitz remains hopeful about future developments, believing that the Abraham Accords transcend the Gulf region or any specific geography, indicating a broader diplomatic shift that could alter alliances throughout the Muslim world. “I think Saudi Arabia will soon join the Abraham Accords,” he states.
“The timing might not be perfect, since many things are uncertain. But I believe they are already quasi-members.” He cites recent Saudi public comments during regional conflicts as evidence of this quiet alignment. “They’ve said that Israel is benefiting the Middle East. Israel is doing a service for the entire region,” he explains.
“There’s a fine line between those seeking a better life for themselves and their children, and those supporting or tolerating terrorist regimes,” he remarks. “I believe all this will change, including in Gaza.” For Rechnitz, the future will be driven less by ideology and more by shared interests, regional pragmatism, and the beginning of something much greater.