The events of October 7, 2023, shook Israel to its core. Hamas’s brutal attack—which left some 1,200 dead and hundreds more held captive—made clear to Israel’s leaders and citizens alike …
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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In the October 7 context, the publicized thanksgiving prayer of the organization’s leaders, who were in Turkey at the time, is well remembered.
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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.
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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 …