Commentary

Here's what many Western policymakers fail to grasp: In this region, periods of calm aren't seen as stepping stones to lasting peace but as temporary pauses – "hudnas" – in an ongoing cycle.

How do these developments affect Israel, Iran, Russia, and Turkey?

The Sunday Times analysis raises questions about Syria's fate as the opposition's past fuels new concerns.

Terrorists couldn't care less about the Cartesian spirit or the diplomacy of symbols. They despise the weak and fear the language of force.

Unlike the Jewish state, whose citizens rushed into battle within hours of the Hamas rampage and have fought on in Gaza and southern Lebanon and as far away as Yemen and Iran, too many Westerners are sleepwalking into their own extinction.

Hamas likely understands that Trump's declaration means a green light for Israel to control humanitarian aid distribution, keep it at the legally required minimum, and increase combat intensity in Gaza.

It might suffice for Trump to threaten a boycott of Turkey or a strike on Iran’s oil fields, for them to pressure Hamas into releasing the hostages.

As President Bashar al-Assad’s grip weakens, the battle for Syria intensifies, threatening regional stability and escalating global risks.

Having detached itself from the imperative of self-preservation, the Israeli Left became marginalized. But while much of its voter pool evaporated, its desperate longing for normalcy did not.

As a second Hanukkah without my brother and his family approaches, I find myself less naive, less optimistic, more heartbroken – yet still waiting for the prime minister to do the right thing.