Deliberations in Tehran over a shift to an “offensive approach” reflect a change in Iranian thinking: The greater the economic pressure, the stronger the incentive to initiate a new conflict. Sanctions are hurting, but they are unlikely to force the regime into a public surrender. Washington will have to choose between costly, unpredictable escalation and accepting Iran’s terms.
Following the attack on Israeli troops using an explosive-drone and Hezbollah's rebuilding after Operation Roaring Lion, the assessment is that a military solution alone will not be enough. A new proposal calls on Israel's political leadership to enlist the US as an active partner, strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and turn Lebanon into an zone of competition with Tehran.
Israel must not relinquish its aspirations for peace, but those aspirations must not cause Israel to abandon its better judgment.
Hezbollah’s attack, the wounded IDF troops and Israel’s response triggered diplomatic pressure and international criticism within hours. An unusual statement from the Prime Minister’s Office showcases how constrained Israel is in its response, and how much power Hezbollah still has to disrupt the calm in northern Israel. Meanwhile, pressure is also mounting on the Palestinian front, along with debate over how Israel should wield its military power.
From Ukraine to Iran, repeated restraint from the West has taught that aggression can be sustained without paying a decisive price, if at all.
Morocco is an important strategic partner for Israel. But cooperation with an Arab regime should not be confused with ideological affinity, popular friendship or unconditional reliability. Israelis understand that distinction from Egypt and Jordan. They should apply the same realism to Morocco.
Countries that have recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, an even more complicated step, moved their embassies there or adopted an unusually supportive position toward Israel are the natural targets for the next campaign. Alongside the congratulations, it must be said: Israel was late to understand that international recognition of its sovereignty over the Golan Heights is not a declarative or symbolic matter, but a strategic objective of the highest order.
Ceasefires and negotiations do not necessarily mean the threats to Israel have disappeared, and contrary to what Washington tends to believe, Hamas and Hezbollah are still here. As the US seeks to close the chapter on the war, Israel must now prepare for a new Middle East.
The defense pact signed in Mecca by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan is accelerating the regional arms race. It pushes normalization with Riyadh further out of reach and positions Ankara as a threat on par with Iran. Israel needs to respond along two parallel axes: its existing Mediterranean alliance with Greece and Cyprus, and a new counter pact with the United Arab Emirates and India.
The booby-trapped drone in Germany showed that advances in range and precision have become new norm. To prevent the next intelligence and security failure, Israel must harness its defense-tech sector, deepen cooperation with Ukraine and build a new layer of protection.
