Ruth Wasserman Lande discusses the “Mecca Pact” defense alliance between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which she views as the emergence of a powerful Sunni axis aimed at countering both Iran’s Shiite axis and Israel.

She highlights the geopolitical implications of this alliance, advising Israel to remain cautious, strengthen its own economic and energy partnerships, and prepare for a potential rise in Sunni extremism as the Shiite axis weakens.

The full interview took place in Kan English on August 9, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

https://youtu.be/MFk0tyCrjFA

Dr. Yossi Mansharof: If this is indeed the chosen strategy, it can only be effective if it receives sustained American support and cooperation from additional partners. Militarily, the U.S. and its allies have the capacity to enforce significant naval pressure on Iran over time, especially at the choke points of maritime trade routes. However, in my assessment, the central challenge is not military but political and economic.

The question is not whether such a blockade can be sustained for weeks or months, where the answer is most likely yes, but whether the international political consensus required for it can be preserved over an extended period. Ultimately, the blockade’s durability will be determined less by military capabilities and more by the political willingness of the U.S. and its allies to bear its costs and withstand the mounting international pressure.

Published in JNS, August 7, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

Prof. Kobi Michael analyzes the geopolitical dynamics between the US, Israel, and Iran, explaining that US reluctance to resume military strikes stems from domestic constraints and diplomatic goals rather than ammunition shortages.

He also emphasizes that a vast majority of Israelis view Iran as their primary existential threat and are prepared to take independent military action to weaken its capabilities and regional proxies.

The full interview took place on NewsX World on August 6, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

Prof. Kobi Michael: Israel’s strategy is clear. Iran remains close to achieving nuclear capacity and has shown it’s able to continue producing ballistic missiles and supplying its proxy forces in the region.

The war on Iran was currently a fiasco from Israel’s perspective, with both the US and Iran insisting that they had won.

Israel was prepared to fight alone if necessary. Israel can only have one strategy, to strike directly at the head of the octopus that threatens global civilisation and to do that alone, if necessary.

Published in Al Jazeera English, August 6, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

Prof. Kobi Michael explains that the conflicts in South Lebanon and Gaza cannot be disconnected from Iran, which continues to support and empower its regional proxies like Hezbollah.

He warns that ceasefire efforts will ultimately fail unless the United States implements a different strategy to directly confront Iran—the “head of the octopus”—since the Lebanese army is currently incapable and unwilling to disarm Hezbollah on the ground.

The full interview took place at IBA English on August 6, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

Prof. Kobi Michael argues that negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz represent a major strategic failure that undermines regional trust in the US, while leaving a highly determined Iranian regime and its proxies empowered.

To counter these threats, he asserts that Israel must take the initiative by completely occupying the Gaza Strip to dismantle Hamas’s military wing and ultimately pursuing regime change in Iran.

The full interview took place on ILTV on August 6, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

https://youtu.be/DmcH1er7Fyk

Asher Fredman discusses how Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia balance their desire for a less threatening Iranian regime with the need to protect their vulnerable economic infrastructure from retaliatory strikes.

He also explores the varying levels of influence these nations have over U.S. military decisions, noting that while they have different diplomatic approaches, they generally prefer de-escalation to avoid regional instability.

The full interview took place on Channel I24, on August 3, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

Prof. Kobi Michael argues that Iran is successfully deterring the United States because it perceives President Trump’s military threats as “empty words” and a sign of American weakness.

He explains that by leveraging strategic assets like the Strait of Hormuz, Iran believes it holds the upper hand and can influence the global economy without fear of a real American escalation.

The full interview took place on Channel I24 on August 2, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

Meir Ben Shabbat: From Israel’s point of view, deepening relations with India has supreme strategic importance and the potential for significant impact on the state’s security, economic and political resilience.

India is the largest customer of the Israeli defense industries, which finances research and development essential for the IDF.

Strengthening ties in Asia reduces Israel’s exclusive dependence on the support of Western and European countries. Joint production of weapons systems with India helps secure Israel’s supply of raw materials and components during emergencies.

The partnership between Israel, India, the United States and the United Arab Emirates creates a powerful economic-strategic corridor connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe, with the potential to connect additional countries.

The full interview was published in JNS on July 28, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.

Prof. Kobi Michael emphasizes that the state must reclaim control in the West Bank to prevent individuals from taking the law into their own hands, which he warns could lead to uncontrolled chaos.

He highlights the fragility of the current security situation, noting the necessity of coordinating all activities with the IDF and the danger of deliberate frictions created by certain groups.

The full interview took place on Channel I24, on July 26, 2026.

*The opinions expressed in Misgav publications are the authors’ alone.