Israel faces golden opportunities to fundamentally reshape the entire Middle East, next to dangers, threats and challenges. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed this in the pardon request from President Isaac Herzog and added, "In the coming months, extraordinary developments are expected in the Middle East."
Some are unfolding right now. Understandings solidifying between the United States, Israel, Arab states and others demand serious preparation, diplomatic and security work, and nonstop attention. Right now, Israel is pushing with the United States an international deal to end the Gaza war by stripping Hamas of weapons, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, and ultimately expanding peace deals.
Nothing far-fetched here, over two years since the war started with the October 7 massacre. The Middle East braces for dramatic shifts, with Israel driving most directly or indirectly – backed or trailed by the US.
Challenges versus opportunities
Top challenge: Iran, chief source of chaos, terror and war against Israel and the region. Last June's 12-Day War exposed Tehran's radical regime as weak and exposed, unable to shield facilities or top officials. It also opened a rare shot at toppling the Islamist dictatorship.
Iran's economy crumbles day after day, poverty surges, educated masses flee, water is running out – yes, literally. Reservoirs shut one by one, taps run dry across vast areas, and unrest builds. The regime cracks down brutally, cuts internet to contain it.
Israeli and Washington sources see regime collapse as viable amid civilian strife. That could transform Israel's security and strategic situation, removing its top existential threat. Plus, it would gut funding for Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas and other Iran-backed terror groups.
Opportunities include Saudi Arabia, among others. Israel Hayom reported Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's White House meeting with President Donald Trump fell short of normalization kickoff hopes. Still, everyone knows the process starts soon – likely post-war. Contacts already run direct and indirect on specifics like overflights via Saudi airspace, trade deals, security and cyber business with Saudis, and beyond.
Netanyahu hinting at under-the-radar progress? Entirely plausible – maybe crafting a deal letting bin Salman claim victory on demands, netting F-35s or even a US nuclear reactor in trade.
A Saudi deal or normalization talks would mark a huge win for Israel and Netanyahu, pulling more nations into Abraham Accords – ties with Israel, trade pacts, and real Palestinian conflict progress.
The implicit statement in Netanyahu's letter is that he can bring about the strategic achievements, or more precisely, only he can.
