Israel must do away with the obsolete paradigm guiding its analysis of Iran. As the attack on Saudi Arabia proves, Tehran has moved from proxy war to direct confrontation.

After years of inaction, new Foreign Ministry plan aims to stop Ankara's efforts to undermine Israeli sovereignty in east Jerusalem. Among proposed steps: outlawing Muslim Brotherhood, limiting activities of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, whose stated objective is "preventing the Judaization of Jerusalem."

Prolonged political uncertainty poses two different dangers: that Israel’s enemies will be tempted to take advantage of Israel’s infirmity and that Israel will be unable to take advantage of emerging diplomatic opportunities.

The net result of the current coalition system is that the various parties end up settling for the lowest common denominator, both in domestic and foreign affairs policy, which inadvertently weakens the government’s hand in taking major initiatives.

The easing of stringent regulations governing social interactions comes after Riyadh launched its first tourist visa scheme, as part of efforts to open up the country to foreign visitors and diversify its oil-reliant economy.