Israel is playing pretend as multi-front conflagration looms
The terror wave in Judea and Samaria is expected to continue for some time. A bigger concern is that the northern border is becoming an issue again.
Analysis
Releasing Tsurkov will ultimately depend on what Iran gets in return – and on US clout
The Tehran-backed militia’s stated goal is to get rid of the American forces. Striking a deal with Washington – and over an Israeli woman – would create problematic optics for the group holding her.
Lack of Gaza strategy means another round of hostilities is already in the making
Israel continues to operate without any master plan relating to the Palestinian theater as it refrains from making any clear decision as to where it is headed.
Winning in Gaza means having a successful strategy for the lulls between hostilities
We must set a clear goal for our security forces to stop the terrorists' buildup as well as disrupt it, making it a major objective for the "campaign between the wars."
Israel's campaign is already a success, but the fundamentals haven't changed
There are several lessons to be drawn from the accomplishments so far. The main one: While Israel should not be itching for a fight in Gaza, neither should it shy away from a confrontation, especially when a small and brazen organization like the PIJ is the agitator.
Israel will need more than successful strikes if it wants to change the Gaza equation
For those who may have forgotten – only nine months ago, Israel succeeded in wiping out the PIJ leadership in the Gaza Strip, which shows that the deterrence generated from military targeting activity is somewhat limited. The PIJ is well aware that the combination of strong discipline among the Israeli public and the Iron Dome significantly limit their chances of exacting a price.
Will closer ties with Italy lead to embassy move?
Israel hopes that the increased cooperation with Italy will lead to the long-awaited diplomatic move. Sources say Italian officials are considering the matter, but country is more like to open a lower-level diplomatic office in Jerusalem.
With US arms moving away, Israel must rethink its dependency on Washington
Israeli decision-makers believe that if a real emergency arises, the US will show up by helping it. But its shifting priorities should set off alarm bells.
Despite lull, officials know that heightened tensions are here to stay
So far, the silver lining in the recent uptick in violence is that despite Israel being attacked on multiple fronts (Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, Judea, and Samaria and within the Green Line), the enemies have so far not been united.
Saudi crown prince acts to realign Mideast dynamics amid concern over US support
The kingdom has gone into diplomatic overdrive, restoring relations with Iran and agreeing to a rapprochement with Syria in its quest to rebuild regional alliances, instead of leaning entirely on Washington, its long-time big power ally.