The shutdown of the Karish and Leviathan gas platforms is estimated to have cost about 1.5 billion shekels. Despite the defensive envelope in place, the IDF decided not to take the risk. Now, some are even claiming the move was part of a conspiracy aimed at securing additional budgets.

The destruction of Iran’s capabilities and loss of legitimacy have created an irreversible process of erosion. As an ancient people, we must be patient in the face of a dictatorship that has drained its reserves and is on the path to self-destruction.

A source in Tehran told Reuters that Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Iran helped bridge some of the differences between the sides. Major disputes remain, however, particularly over the nuclear issue.

In Jerusalem, officials are not ruling out a halt to strikes deep inside the Land of the Cedars. At the same time, the IDF is expected to continue operating with relative freedom in the Litani River area. For now, even ministers remain confused after a cabinet meeting in which they did not receive an answer from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

From Israel’s perspective, the debate must not be reduced to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The real question is whether any deal will, over time, damage Iran’s ability to break out to a nuclear weapon.