Israel’s recent airstrikes against Iran mark a significant shift in the longstanding tension between the two regional powers, setting the stage for a potentially new norm of direct confrontations. The strikes, launched under the cover of darkness, aimed at targeted military installations in Iran were Israel’s response to Iran’s unprecedented launch of 180 ballistic missiles into Israel on October 1. This latest confrontation has heightened regional tensions and raised questions about deterrence, U.S.-Israel cooperation, and the evolving regional alliances around Iran.

Iran’s Reaction and Propaganda

In the aftermath of Israel’s strikes, Iranian state media has worked to downplay their impact. Social media channels close to the government portrayed an image of calm and defiance, with Iranians shown conducting their morning routines and gathering on rooftops, as if indifferent to the attacks. This narrative serves two purposes for Iran: it suggests that its defense capabilities safeguarded civilians, and it contrasts Iran’s apparent calm with Israel’s reaction to the October 1 missile strike, which forced much of the Israeli population into shelters. By not activating air raid sirens, Iran reinforces its position of resilience amid escalating hostilities.

Show of Force: Israel’s Long-Range Capabilities

Israel’s precision strikes on Iran highlight its ability to conduct long-range military operations, showcasing years of preparation and advanced military assets. According to Israeli sources, the mission relied on sophisticated aircraft, including F-15s and F-35s, which are part of a well-honed strategy also employed in previous long-range operations targeting Iranian proxies, such as the Houthis in Yemen. Through these strikes, Israel signals to Iran and other regional actors its willingness and capacity to respond forcefully to threats, demonstrating that its reach can extend beyond immediate borders.

Strengthened U.S.-Israel Cooperation

A critical component of Israel’s recent action is the level of cooperation with the United States, which not only approved the operation in advance but has bolstered Israel’s defenses with the deployment of THAAD missile defense systems. This cooperation, deepened by Israel’s integration into U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), underscores a commitment to shared defense objectives in the region, especially amid escalating threats from Iran. In previous incidents, such as the April attacks, Israel and the U.S. exchanged extensive intelligence and tactical assessments, reinforcing a framework for coordinated responses and evolving strategies against common adversaries.

A New Regional Dynamic: Direct Strikes as the New Normal?

This sequence of attacks and counter-attacks signals a shift towards direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, dissolving what had once been a tacitly observed boundary. Until recently, direct strikes were rare, and experts had speculated they could trigger a broader regional conflict. However, Israel and Iran appear to have entered a “managed escalation,” similar to Cold War-era confrontations, where both sides gauge each other’s responses without aiming for full-scale war. For Israel, this development is disconcerting as it suggests that Iran feels emboldened to strike at Israel directly rather than exclusively through proxies, as it has in the past. Iran’s support of proxy groups and the October 7 attack illustrates a strategy of surrounding Israel, further complicating the security landscape.

Regional Repercussions and Iran’s Diplomatic Maneuvering

In response to Israel’s airstrikes, several Gulf nations issued statements condemning Israel’s actions, underscoring the complexities of Middle Eastern alliances. While some regional actors, like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have made gestures toward détente with Iran, including China-brokered reconciliations, others like Qatar and Oman have openly supported Iran in various forums. This alignment reflects Iran’s recent diplomatic initiatives, with officials traveling across the region to strengthen Tehran’s influence and frame Israel as the primary destabilizing force. These developments present a challenge to Israel’s strategic goal of regional integration and may embolden Iran’s narrative that it holds the upper hand in the regional diplomatic arena.

Deterrence Questioned: Is Iran Unfazed?

The effectiveness of Israel’s strikes as a deterrent remains uncertain. Iranian authorities have, thus far, downplayed any significant impact from the attacks, with some analysts suggesting that Iran views the U.S. deployment of THAAD as an indication of Israel’s defensive vulnerabilities. The coordinated nature of the strikes, following weeks of advance warnings and international attention, has allowed both sides to prepare messaging and potentially limited the strategic impact. For Iran, the strikes may signal Israel’s restraint, as it received a calculated retaliation without a broader military escalation. This perception could embolden Tehran, reinforcing the belief that Israel, even with U.S. support, may hesitate to engage in sustained or large-scale military action.

The Diplomatic Calculus Ahead

As Israel and Iran continue to test each other’s resolve, the stakes of each confrontation seem to grow. Iran’s increasing willingness to launch ballistic missiles at Israel signifies a shift in Iran’s approach to deterrence, aiming not only to challenge Israel militarily but also to undermine its strategic partnerships in the region. The effectiveness of Israel’s airstrikes as a deterrent, and the U.S. commitment to supporting its ally, will shape Iran’s calculus for future actions. This confrontation could cement a pattern of intermittent strikes and heightened military posturing, a cycle that may prove difficult to break without significant diplomatic intervention.

In the coming months, both Israel and Iran will likely reassess their strategies. For Israel, maintaining strong U.S. backing is essential, as is navigating the shifting regional alliances that now lean towards a tacit endorsement of Iran. For Iran, the aim will be to sustain its current posture of defiance while testing the boundaries of Israel’s tolerance for escalation. As each side edges toward a precarious “new normal,” the potential for miscalculation looms large, with implications for regional stability and the broader security interests of both the United States and its allies.

The resurgence of the term “Axis of Evil” to describe China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran signals growing concern in Washington about the deepening ties between these four revisionist powers. U.S. officials have become increasingly alarmed by what appears to be a coordinated effort among these nations to challenge the Western-led international order. This emerging bloc, while not formalized, has drawn comparisons to historical alliances that destabilized global security, particularly during the lead-up to World War II.

The recent confirmation by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that North Korean troops are in Russia, potentially to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, has further heightened anxiety. This follows a series of collaborative moves between the countries. Iran has provided Russia with drones and missiles, North Korea has supplied artillery shells, and China has offered dual-use technology, including semiconductors and industrial products that can be repurposed for military use. This growing cooperation suggests that these nations are united by their shared goal of resisting U.S. dominance and reshaping the geopolitical landscape.

Republican Congressman Rob Wittman, vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, invoked the specter of the 1930s Axis powers during a recent discussion, emphasizing the historical parallels of a group of nations banding together to reject the principles of international law and human rights. He argued that today’s “Axis of Evil” poses an even greater threat than the alliance of Nazi Germany and its allies, given the technological sophistication and global reach of the modern world. Wittman’s remarks underscore a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy discourse, where the emphasis is now on countering not just individual adversaries but an interconnected and collaborative network of revisionist states.

The original “Axis of Evil” term, coined by President George W. Bush in 2002, described nations like Iraq, Iran, and North Korea that were perceived to support terrorism and pursue weapons of mass destruction. Today’s iteration, however, reflects broader concerns about geopolitical realignment. These four countries—China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran—have been identified by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as revisionist powers that seek to fundamentally alter the international system. According to Blinken, these nations do not form a formal bloc, but their actions indicate an implicit understanding to challenge U.S. influence across multiple regions.

The strategic importance of China in this alliance is particularly concerning for U.S. policymakers. As Christopher Chivvis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, pointed out, China’s involvement is what transforms this partnership into a serious threat. Without China, the cooperation between Russia, Iran, and North Korea might be seen as a loose alliance of isolated, pariah states. But with China’s economic and technological clout, the group has the potential to significantly undermine global stability, especially through coordinated actions in different regions. Chivvis laid out a chilling scenario in which a crisis in one region—such as a Chinese military operation against Taiwan—could embolden Russia or Iran to escalate conflicts elsewhere, knowing that U.S. resources would be stretched thin.

This multifaceted threat has already played out to some extent. Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine has been supported by arms and technology from both Iran and North Korea, while China’s role, though more discreet, has involved the supply of critical industrial components. Additionally, Iran’s recent hosting of Russia for naval drills further demonstrates the increasing military coordination among these states. This alignment of interests represents not just a military partnership, but also an economic one, with these nations working toward a self-sufficient economic bloc that aims to minimize reliance on Western economies.

The strategic cooperation among these powers is not without its complications. As Blinken noted, their relationships are largely transactional, and each nation faces risks and trade-offs in maintaining such an alliance. Internal disagreements, divergent long-term goals, and external pressure could challenge the durability of this partnership. However, their collective desire to resist U.S. influence and alter the international order provides a powerful incentive for continued collaboration, at least in the near term.

The implications of this alignment extend far beyond the immediate regions where these countries operate. As Michael Singh of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy noted, a conflict over Taiwan, for example, would likely spill over into other parts of the world. Iran’s ability to disrupt key international waterways and the Gulf Arab states’ importance to China and Taiwan’s energy supplies highlight the interconnectedness of global security threats. The idea that regional conflicts will remain confined to their local areas is increasingly viewed as unrealistic.

As these four nations continue to deepen their cooperation, the U.S. faces a complex and evolving challenge. Policymakers will need to navigate this new reality by bolstering alliances, enhancing military readiness, and remaining vigilant to the ways in which crises in one part of the world may trigger or exacerbate conflicts elsewhere. The formation of this new axis, while not yet formalized, underscores the high stakes of the ongoing geopolitical competition and the need for a decisive and coordinated response from the U.S. and its allies.

The recent meeting of Somalia’s National Consultative Council, aimed at resolving key governance issues, has ended in failure, according to Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre. The talks, which began on October 2, were expected to bring federal and regional leaders together to address pressing national challenges. Instead, the meeting has underscored deepening political divisions within Somalia’s leadership, raising serious concerns about the country’s future stability and governance.

Prime Minister Hamse revealed that the council’s meeting has not produced any meaningful results, and ongoing consultations between the leaders have yet to reach consensus on several critical issues. “The meeting of the National Consultative Council has collapsed since its opening and is still facing difficulty,” Barre admitted, adding that further decisions and official statements would follow once discussions have concluded. This outcome is the latest in a series of failed efforts to unify the federal government and regional administrations, signaling a deepening political crisis.

A Fractured Federal System

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud: Somalia’s Ultimate Betrayer

The failure of the National Consultative Council is a reflection of Somalia’s fractured federal system, which has been plagued by power struggles and mistrust between the central government and regional states. While the council has met nine times during Barre’s tenure as Prime Minister, Barre openly acknowledged that many of these meetings have highlighted the federal government’s weaknesses and inability to foster meaningful cooperation.

Most notably, the absence of two key regional leaders—President Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland and President Saeed Deni of Puntland—has significantly undermined the latest talks. Madobe walked out of the current meeting, and Deni has boycotted the council altogether for the past year. Both leaders have long been at odds with the federal government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud’s administration, and their absence from these discussions underscores the growing rift between Mogadishu and the regional states.

Prime Minister Barre’s candid admission of the council’s collapse highlights a grim reality: the Somali government’s efforts to unify the country under a functional federal system are faltering. “We are not committed to the unity and nationalism we wished for Somalis,” he said, adding that “the harsh reality” facing the Somali people must be confronted. Despite efforts to move the country forward, Barre admitted that the government has repeatedly failed in this endeavor.

Political Manipulation and Regional Divisions

One of the core reasons behind the failure of Somalia’s federal system lies in the increasingly autocratic tactics employed by President Mohamoud. Reports have emerged suggesting that Mohamoud’s government has been leveraging international development aid as a political tool to pressure regional leaders into supporting his administration and reelection efforts. This has created an atmosphere of distrust and deepened divisions between Mogadishu and the regional states.

Under Mohamoud’s alleged strategy, regional states that refuse to align with his policies face the risk of losing critical development funding. This has prompted widespread criticism, with regional leaders accusing Mohamoud of using aid as a means of blackmail. In a country heavily reliant on foreign assistance to address basic needs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, such actions have not only heightened tensions but also jeopardized the well-being of ordinary Somalis.

President Mohamoud’s approach has transformed what should be a collaborative governance model into a power struggle, as regions scramble to secure essential resources. The withdrawal of leaders like Madobe and Deni from the National Consultative Council reflects their dissatisfaction with this centralized grip on power and highlights the growing sentiment of political alienation among Somalia’s federal states.

Implications for Somalia’s Stability

The failure of the National Consultative Council meeting represents more than just a setback in political negotiations—it threatens to unravel the fragile balance that holds Somalia together. Without functional cooperation between the federal government and regional administrations, the country risks sliding back into the chaos and instability that has plagued it for decades.

The international community has long supported Somalia’s rebuilding efforts, providing crucial aid aimed at lifting the nation out of poverty and fostering stability. However, if Mohamoud’s government continues to manipulate this aid for political gain, the long-term consequences could be disastrous. International donors may reconsider their support, particularly if transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds remain absent.

For Somalia, a country still recovering from the ravages of civil war and extremism, political power struggles currently playing out threaten to derail the progress that has been made, leaving Somali citizens to bear the brunt of the fallout. Without access to development assistance, regions already suffering from poor infrastructure and limited public services will face even greater challenges in providing for their populations.

Reflection on Somaliland

In light of the ongoing political crisis, Prime Minister Barre made an unusual but noteworthy appeal to the Somali people. He urged them to study how Somaliland—Somalia’s neighbor, which declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally—has managed to maintain unity, independence, and stability within its borders. While Somaliland has faced its own challenges, its ability to avoid internal divisions and build a functional governance system stands in stark contrast to the current disarray in Somalia.

Barre’s remarks suggest that there are valuable lessons to be learned from Somaliland’s approach to governance. He emphasized the need for Somalia to foster greater unity and nationalism, warning that continued division would only serve to further weaken the country.

Somalia’s current political situation is at a critical juncture. With the National Consultative Council talks in disarray and regional divisions growing ever deeper, the federal government faces an uphill battle to restore trust and cooperation. The continued absence of key regional leaders from discussions and the manipulation of development aid are compounding the country’s challenges, pushing Somalia closer to a breaking point.

As Prime Minister Barre candidly admitted, Somalia’s leadership has repeatedly fallen short in its efforts to unite the country. But acknowledging these failures is only the first step. The question now is whether Somalia’s leaders can overcome their differences and work toward a future that prioritizes the well-being of their people over political maneuvering.

How President Hassan’s Corruption Crushing Somalia’s Federal States

Somali Presidency Accused of Funding Propaganda Against Jubbaland Leader Madobe

Israel faces tough choices in determining its potential retaliation against Iran, with military and nuclear sites at the forefront of potential targets.

Following Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack, Israel is considering its potential response, which could hit Iran’s military infrastructure, economic assets, or even political targets. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and political leadership are grappling with multiple dilemmas about how far to go in retaliation. Should Israel strike military sites, risk economically sensitive infrastructure like oil facilities, or hit symbolic governance targets to undermine national morale?

Military action would likely focus on strategic sites, such as Iran’s surface-to-surface missile platforms, which pose a direct threat to Israel’s security. However, targeting these assets isn’t straightforward. Some missile bases are mobile, and others are shielded in underground fortifications designed to withstand aerial strikes. Similarly, Iran’s drone launch bases and advanced air-defense systems, including Russian and Chinese-made technology, make a military-only strategy complex and risky.

Alternatively, Israel could opt to strike Iran’s economic lifelines, notably oil infrastructure, which plays a crucial role in funding the regime’s operations. Destroying oil wells, transportation routes, and export ports could cripple Iran’s economy and send a devastating message. Yet, such a move risks international entanglement, especially with nations like China and Russia who have vested interests in Iran’s oil sector. Escalating tensions with these global powers could invite broader geopolitical consequences that Israel may not be ready to face.

On the political front, Israel may target governance structures or symbols of Iran’s authority, aiming to destabilize national morale and weaken the Ayatollah regime. These targets, though impactful, carry the risk of rallying Iranian nationalism and escalating the conflict to unprecedented levels.

Perhaps the most provocative option is a direct hit on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The Islamic Republic’s nuclear ambitions are widely seen as an existential threat to Israel, and striking these facilities would severely damage Tehran’s long-term strategic capabilities. However, Iran has wisely dispersed its nuclear sites, some of which are protected underground, making an attack extremely difficult and requiring precise coordination.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is well-equipped for such missions, with long-range strike capabilities via F-35s, F-15s, and F-16s, as well as advanced electronic warfare and refueling options that enable strikes deep within Iran’s borders. Drones like the Eitan can provide real-time intelligence, support multiple waves of attacks, and maintain operational efficiency over extended periods.

Yet, Israel’s military capabilities aside, a large-scale strike would undoubtedly provoke retaliation. Iran, bolstered by regional proxies like Hezbollah, could respond with even greater force, targeting Israeli military bases or civilian infrastructure. For this reason, any initial strike by Israel would need to be overwhelmingly effective, crippling Iran’s ability to retaliate swiftly. Even then, the risk of prolonged conflict remains.

While foreign reports suggest Israel possesses second-strike capabilities through ballistic missiles and submarines, the cost of a drawn-out confrontation could be immense—both for Israel and the broader region.

Ultimately, Israel’s leadership faces a difficult decision. A measured response risks showing weakness, but an overly aggressive attack could spiral into a wider regional war, involving global powers and shaking Middle Eastern stability. All eyes will be on the next move, as Israel navigates this perilous moment.

As tensions rise, Israel faces critical decisions about retaliating against Iran’s aggression while managing the risk of broader conflict.

The Iranian missile attack on Israel this week has heightened the stakes in an already volatile region. Iran’s launch of approximately 200 ballistic missiles, some targeting key strategic areas like the Dimona nuclear facility, marks a serious escalation in its conflict with Israel. Although most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s advanced defense systems, the implications of this brazen act extend far beyond immediate military concerns.

For Israel, the attack represents not only a direct threat but a calculated effort by Tehran to provoke panic and incite a larger confrontation. Iranian leaders, embattled by the recent weakening of their regional alliances and proxies, appear to be using aggression as a means to reassert their influence. The assassinations of key figures, such as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, have left Iran scrambling to maintain its foothold in the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been unequivocal in his warning that Iran’s leadership has made a “big mistake” and will face consequences. Israel now confronts critical choices about how to respond. The potential targets for retaliation are clear: Iran’s nuclear facilities or its oil infrastructure, both of which are central to the regime’s survival. A strike on these would deal a severe blow to Iran’s economy and strategic capabilities, but it carries significant risks.

Iran’s economy is deeply reliant on oil and gas exports, and a strike on its oil facilities would likely have a crippling effect. However, such a move risks igniting a broader regional conflict. Israel must balance its need to restore deterrence with concerns about triggering a large-scale war that could draw in U.S. forces and further destabilize the Middle East.

U.S. Involvement and Constraints

While the United States has strongly supported Israel’s right to defend itself, Washington remains wary of any actions that could spark an uncontrollable escalation. President Joe Biden has emphasized U.S. military support for Israel, but both American and Israeli interests align in avoiding a full-scale conflict that could involve Iran’s nuclear program. An Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities might provoke Tehran into accelerating its nuclear ambitions, which would escalate the current conflict into a far more dangerous confrontation.

Furthermore, Israel’s April response to a previous missile attack by Iran left questions about Iran’s Russian-made S-300 aerial defense systems, particularly their effectiveness in protecting sensitive sites like the Natanz nuclear facility. Any future Israeli strike must consider how to neutralize these defenses while minimizing regional fallout.

Iran’s regional power is under pressure, as its proxy networks face a series of setbacks. The loss of key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders has weakened Tehran’s ability to project power through these groups. The recent Israeli strike on Houthi-controlled Hodeidah in Yemen suggests that Israel is expanding its efforts to dismantle Iranian influence beyond its immediate borders. Tehran’s leadership, sensing its eroding dominance, has chosen to strike back directly, but this could prove to be a strategic miscalculation.

Calculated Retaliation

Israel’s response to the missile attack is likely to be measured, calculated, and focused on reaffirming its deterrence. While a strike on Iran’s nuclear or oil infrastructure is possible, such a move would need to align with broader U.S. strategic objectives. Netanyahu’s government is under pressure to respond forcefully, but a reckless escalation could have catastrophic consequences.

In this delicate balancing act, Israel is poised to retaliate, but the nature of its response will be shaped by the larger goal of avoiding a regional conflagration while addressing the immediate threat posed by Iran’s aggression.

As the skies over Israel once again light up with missile fire, the source is unmistakable: the Islamic Republic of Iran. In what has become a recurring pattern, Iran has launched a barrage of missiles at Israeli cities and military targets, forcing civilians into bomb shelters and placing immense pressure on Israel’s multi-layered missile defense systems. These systems, impressive in their effectiveness, cannot guarantee complete safety—particularly if Iran’s missiles ever carry non-conventional warheads.

This latest attack, surpassing a previous salvo of 300 missiles six months ago, serves as a stark reminder of the fundamental threat posed by the Iranian regime under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His relentless enmity toward Israel is deeply rooted in ideology, impervious to diplomacy or negotiation. As Khamenei nears the end of his life, his drive to destroy Israel intensifies, leaving little room for conventional diplomacy.

For years, arguments against direct military intervention in Iran have centered on the need for caution and restraint. However, the calculus has changed. Iran’s leadership, particularly Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), remains the architect of regional instability, and their ambitions increasingly threaten not only Israel but global security.

While the Iranian people should not be seen as adversaries—many of them are victims of the same oppressive regime—military action against the Islamic Republic’s leadership and military infrastructure has become a necessity. A strategic campaign to dismantle the regime’s military capabilities, particularly its air bases, missile batteries, and naval power, is imperative. This approach should be carefully calibrated to avoid unnecessary civilian harm, but it must also be decisive.

Israel, with the backing of its regional and Western allies, should focus on systematically degrading Iran’s military infrastructure. This means targeting naval assets, missile launch sites, and the IRGC’s sprawling network. The aim would be to incapacitate the regime’s ability to wage war without embarking on a ground invasion—a strategic decision rooted in the belief that Iran, unlike Iraq, does not require occupation to facilitate political change.

Any military strategy targeting the Islamic Republic must be clear about its purpose: dismantling the regime, not punishing the Iranian people. Iran’s population is distinct in its historical and cultural legacy, with a rich tradition of democratic aspirations. The Woman, Life, Freedom movement and the Green Movement before it have shown the world that the Iranian people have long sought to free themselves from theocratic tyranny.

By removing the regime’s leadership and crippling its military power, external forces could open the door for Iranians to pursue genuine self-determination. The fall of the Islamic Republic could provide a historic opportunity for Iranians to reclaim their political future, as their ancestors sought to do in the Constitutional Revolution over a century ago.

While military action might be necessary, it is only part of the solution. The international community, led by the United States and its allies, must simultaneously prepare for the economic and diplomatic rebuilding of Iran post-regime. A well-coordinated Marshall Plan for Iran could provide the resources necessary for reconstruction, offering a future beyond theocratic rule. Such a plan should aim at stabilizing the economy, rebuilding infrastructure, and supporting a transition toward democracy.

It is critical to understand that the fall of the Islamic Republic would not signal the end of instability in Iran. Without a coherent international strategy, the IRGC or other factions could exploit the chaos, much as they have done in the past, to maintain their grip on power. This makes it imperative that any military strikes be accompanied by clear diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring a smooth political transition.

Targeting Khamenei and the IRGC leadership is central to dismantling the regime. Khamenei, nearing the end of his reign, represents the ideological heart of the regime’s anti-Israel stance. While his removal is necessary, attention must also be given to his potential successors—those within his inner circle who share his vision of regional dominance through military aggression. Any successor with similar ambitions must be seen as a legitimate target.

A targeted campaign that includes the decapitation of the IRGC’s leadership is crucial. The IRGC, with its deep involvement in the Iranian economy and military, represents the regime’s backbone. Without neutralizing its influence, the Islamic Republic’s power structure could simply reconstitute itself, allowing the cycle of violence to continue.

For the U.S. and its Western allies, the decision to support this strategy offers a chance to reshape the region for the better. President Joe Biden, in particular, faces a defining choice. His administration can either continue down the path of cautious engagement with Iran, risking further destabilization, or it can seize the opportunity to support meaningful regime change in Tehran.

If successful, dismantling the Islamic Republic could provide lasting security for Israel and shift the balance of power in the Middle East. The benefits would extend beyond Israel’s borders, offering hope to millions of Iranians who have suffered under the regime’s repressive rule. For Biden, this could be the legacy of a president who restored a semblance of order and freedom to a region long beset by tyranny and violence.

The path forward requires courage and clarity of purpose. Israel, with the support of its allies, must act decisively to end the Islamic Republic’s threat once and for all. This does not mean punishing the Iranian people but rather freeing them from the grip of a regime that has caused untold suffering both at home and abroad. By neutralizing Khamenei and his inner circle, Israel and the West can help Iran’s people build a future grounded in peace, security, and democracy.

Israel Prepares for a Protracted Conflict as Third Lebanon War Escalates

The ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border mark a significant escalation in a decades-long conflict. This marks Israel’s third major engagement with Hezbollah, following the 2006 war and the initial clashes in the 1980s. The latest confrontation raises concerns about a prolonged war, its regional implications, and the strain it places on Israel’s military and society.

A History of Israel and Hezbollah

Hezbollah was formed in response to Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, originally aimed at uprooting the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). However, Israel soon faced a new enemy in Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia dedicated to Israel’s destruction. For nearly two decades, Israeli forces occupied a strip of southern Lebanon, battling Hezbollah fighters in what became a grueling and costly campaign. In 2006, Israel invaded Lebanon again following Hezbollah’s abduction of two Israeli soldiers, but the war ended inconclusively, with Hezbollah remaining intact and continuing its operations.

Since then, Hezbollah has become Iran’s most powerful proxy in the region, boasting an estimated force of up to 100,000 fighters and hundreds of thousands of rockets capable of reaching nearly all of Israel. Despite frequent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s weapon shipments, the group has remained entrenched in southern Lebanon and expanded its influence, becoming a key player in Lebanon’s parliament and an active participant in Syria’s civil war.

The latest conflict reignited on October 8, 2023, just a day after Hamas launched an unprecedented invasion of Israel from Gaza. Hezbollah, in solidarity with Hamas, began shelling northern Israel, initiating a near-daily exchange of missiles and airstrikes. Over the past year, Israel has killed several top Hezbollah leaders, culminating in the assassination of the group’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Nasrallah’s death has been a significant blow to Hezbollah, with some analysts suggesting the group may be “operationally inert” for the foreseeable future. However, Hezbollah’s leadership insists it still has significant strength, and recent statements indicate they are prepared for a prolonged fight. The killing of Nasrallah has raised fears of a broader conflict involving Iran, Hezbollah’s main backer, which could escalate the war beyond the Israel-Lebanon border.

Preparing for a Ground Invasion

Israel’s military has been massing troops on the Lebanon border, signaling an impending ground invasion aimed at clearing Hezbollah from southern Lebanon. Israeli forces have been preparing for months, conducting training exercises in anticipation of this very scenario. The goal is to push Hezbollah away from Israel’s northern towns, reducing the group’s ability to launch missile and rocket attacks. However, Lebanon’s mountainous terrain and Hezbollah’s deeply entrenched forces make this a formidable challenge. The group’s guerrilla tactics, honed over decades, could prolong the conflict and inflict heavy casualties on both sides.

As the fighting intensifies, tens of thousands of Israelis from the north have been evacuated, and many remain displaced, living in hotels or temporary shelters. Support for a harsher military response to Hezbollah has grown among the Israeli public, with a recent poll showing that nearly two-thirds of Israelis favor continued military action against Hezbollah, despite the potential for heavy losses. Hezbollah’s missile attacks have also caused significant civilian casualties in Israel, while hundreds of Lebanese civilians have been killed by Israeli airstrikes.

U.S. Involvement and Iranian Influence

The conflict comes at a critical moment for the Middle East, with the potential to destabilize the region further. The United States has been a steadfast ally of Israel, with President Biden backing the country’s military operations. However, the Biden administration has also been pushing for ceasefires in both Lebanon and Gaza, reflecting concerns about the potential for a broader regional war.

Iran’s role in the conflict cannot be understated. As Hezbollah’s primary sponsor, Iran has provided the group with funding, weapons, and political support for decades. If Iran chooses to retaliate for Nasrallah’s assassination, either directly or through its proxies in Iraq and Syria, the war could quickly spiral into a regional conflict, involving multiple fronts across the Middle East.

What Comes Next?

IDF approves Lebanon operation plans

As Israeli forces prepare for a possible ground operation in Lebanon, the country faces a range of difficult challenges. The war against Hezbollah will likely be long and costly, with potential consequences for Israel’s security, economy, and international standing. At the same time, Israel’s leadership appears determined to strike a decisive blow against Hezbollah, aiming to weaken the group to a point where it can no longer pose a significant threat.

For now, both sides seem prepared for a drawn-out conflict, with the possibility of further escalation. Should the war drag on, it could further strain Israel’s military and civilian resources, especially given the ongoing war in Gaza and the high number of reservists already called up. At the same time, Hezbollah’s ability to regroup and retaliate could make it difficult for Israel to achieve its long-term goals in Lebanon without sustained international support and diplomatic pressure.

The Third Lebanon War is just beginning, and its outcome remains uncertain.