One can welcome the Lebanese government’s decision to task the Lebanese army with formulating a plan to disarm Hezbollah, but also assume – with a sober look – that the likelihood of this happening is slim.
Israeli grand strategy, superpower relations, Abraham Accords, Palestinian-Israeli relations, internal security and governance
Head of the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy. Served as Israel’s national security advisor and head of the National Security Council between 2017 and 2021 and played a key role in negotiating the Abraham Accords. Prior to that he served for 30 years in the Israel Security Agency (the Shin Bet), heading three divisions: Counter Terrorism, Cyber Defense, and the Southern Command. Was awarded the US Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service.
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Meir Ben Shabbat: A political rivalry exists between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, and there is a competition for public support. According to various polls, Hamas is currently very popular …
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Israeli strikes blunt Houthi threats in Yemen while Europe considers snapback sanctions on Tehran. This pressure could cripple Iran’s missile program and destabilize the regime.
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Meir Ben Shabbat: I assume there is a combination of considerations here — some related to foreign policy, others to domestic politics — but the basis is still the naive …
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Hamas draws encouragement from the success of the “hunger in Gaza” campaign and the responses it generated worldwide and in Israel. They are also pleased with the connection made between the Palestinian statehood recognition initiative and the war in the Strip.
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Meir Ben Shabbat: Unfortunately, some countries fall prey to Hamas’ manipulation. The world finds it easier to identify with the suffering of the weaker side. Israel gains sympathy only when …