A battle of narratives and psychological warfare followed Trump's announcement on an emerging memorandum of understanding in the Persian Gulf. While the US president is declaring tough demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear issue, reports by Al Jazeera and Fars claim the move is a false presentation.
Cooperation with a world power, an existential threat and an ending that looked like an Israeli climbdown. This is not Operation Roaring Lion, but a completely different war. And despite the disappointment over the emerging agreement with Iran, the current campaign has produced one strategic achievement that should not be underestimated.
The IDF Home Front Command estimates that Iran will try to fire missiles at Israel faster than in the past in the next war. The Home Front Command stresses that the next time, too, secrecy at the start of the war against Iran will come at the expense of protection, meaning no advance warning will be given to the public. And: Within how many years will all Israelis be protected?
From improvised nets to rifle-mounted interception sights, the IDF’s temporary responses do not provide an adequate solution. Of the 12 people killed since the ceasefire announced on April 16, those killed by Hezbollah drones represent an exceptional share. The Israeli security establishment has acknowledged: We knew the threat from Ukraine and were not prepared.
A thaw in Indonesian ties with Israel or a Paki and Saudi smile at Israel will not compensate for a bad deal with Iran. Strike now to enervate Iran; save the sweet glaze for later.
