The escalation of the Lebanon crisis by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen as an attempt to divert public attention from domestic political and legal troubles. Speaking to Sputnik Globe, Tel Aviv-based national security observer Dr. Simon Tsipis said that Netanyahu's desire to stay in power and his legal troubles, combined with his foreign policy failures, have turned the conflict in Lebanon into a distraction tool. Tsipis stated that among Netanyahu's foreign policy failures are the inconclusive war in Gaza, the sabotage of peace talks with Iran, and the serious damage the Lebanon conflict has inflicted on Israel's economy and society. He also stressed that this situation has increased economic hardships in Israel, had negative effects on pricing policies, and led some citizens to leave the country. Dr. Tsipis said that Netanyahu faces legal problems such as three corruption cases and an international arrest warrant, and that he is trying every avenue to remain in power. These developments, he said, threaten Israel's internal stability.