Commentary

Netanyahu's government is taking more extreme positions and actions, exploiting the fighting to sow division and deepen rifts.

Turkey’s president has recently secured several unprecedented diplomatic achievements as part of a long-term, sophisticated policy of building "soft influence" alongside increasing military power. While Recep Tayyip Erdogan projects a conciliatory tone toward Europe, his stance in the Middle East remains as rigid as ever.

Despite the surprise and the scale of the targeted assassinations, the attack serves as a warning. It also sends a message to mediators Egypt and Qatar, which have suddenly shown increased activity in attempting to advance hostage negotiations.

Hamas, whose self-confidence and capabilities have strengthened considerably since the beginning of the ceasefire, rejected Israel's demands. Now the terrorist leaders are likely still wondering whether this is a limited action meant just to shock.

The decision that educational activities will not take place and the train line in Sderot will not operate is a bad habit that has become so deeply entrenched in the system that even a new defense minister and a fresh chief of staff have not managed to get rid of it.

The US military operation in Yemen serves as a direct signal to Iran, indicating a shift in American policy. The latest escalation presents an opportunity to dismantle Iran’s proxy model and reshape the regional order.

The pro-Israel community spent years fighting the wrong battles. While we exhausted our resources and energy combating isolated antisemitic incidents on campus – chasing down student government resolutions, protesting professors, and countering biased events – Qatar was quietly building an entire infrastructure of influence.

The successive purging of senior officials is usually reserved for totalitarian regimes. Using President Donald Trump as a source of inspiration is merely an excuse. It turns out that all that was achieved through the blood of the October 7 victims and the soldiers who fought in the difficult battles in various sectors will now be in vain. 

Saudi Arabia distances itself from the escalation and embraces the role of mediator. The UAE has not issued an official response, but sources in the country welcome the shift. Both are waiting to see if the US will continue its operation or settle for statements about "restoring deterrence."

Boehler, who sparked outrage in Israel when he referred to Hamas operatives as "good guys," was never involved in key meetings or negotiations for the release of hostages. Now, Boehler has been officially removed from the hostage case to underscore Trump’s unwavering commitment to Israel.