Prof. Kobi Michael: This is pathetic. Not only Israel but also the Palestinian people do not trust Abbas to rule Gaza since Al Fatah is not even capable of taking care of the West Bank right now.

Israel may maintain a temporary military presence in the Strip to ensure that Hamas won’t pose a threat anymore and to monitor the humanitarian aid coming in, but the ruling must be in the hands of a ‘revitalized’ PA, with an international involvement as well.

Published in The Media Line, August 19, 2024.

Col. (res.) Prof. Gabi Siboni: it’s clear the Americans only want a cease-fire…The more they pressure Israel, the more the decision-makers in Hamas think that they can wait because the Americans will just pressure Israel more. I imagine the Americans know this, but it’s like an instinct. If Hamas says no, then they ask for more from Israel.

The hostages are the last thing that interests the Americans. They take advantage of the hostages as a lever of pressure on Israel.

Published in Jewish Insider, August 19, 2024.

Dr Adi Schwartz is take a look at the possibilities of the elimination of UNRWA on The Israel Connexion.

August 14, 2024.

Moshe Fuzaylov: Hamas, as Israel’s central adversary in Gaza, relies heavily on communication infrastructure to transmit information, issue commands and coordinate military actions.

By connecting to an uncontrolled internet network, external actors might attempt to support Hamas or provide assistance through digital means, such as transferring funds, coordinating operations or sharing classified information.

Published in JNS, August 14, 2024.

Asher Fredman: Unless and until Israel goes all the way in destroying Hamas, no other international, regional or Palestinian actor will be able to exercise real power in Gaza.

The interview took place on the I24 channel on August 14, 2024.

Asher Fredman: Arab states such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia will likely take part in U.S.-led efforts to counter an Iranian missile attack against Israel, not in order to defend Israel, but because they strongly oppose Iranian threats to their sovereignty and stability.

Looking forward, regional cooperation in countering Iran’s attacks highlights the potential utility and mutual benefit of an enhanced Middle East security architecture, encompassing air and missile defense, maritime and cyber security, R&D and more.

Published in Jewish Insider, August 6, 2024.

Prof. Kobi Michael: Iran can do what it already did on April 13, maybe more intensified, but more of the same. On the other hand Iran is much more vulnerable than Israel. Its offensive and defensive capabilities are mush lower in comparison to the Israeli ones and if it retaliates aggressively and in an irresponsible manner, the Israeli retaliation will be much more aggressive and harming. Therefore, I warmly recommend the Iranian leaders to rethink about their thoughts in this regard.

The interview took place on the ILTV channel on August 4, 2024.

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser: Iran has a wide range of options for their retaliation. All the sides understand that the chances of this conflict to deteriorate into a full-scale regional war are not small, despite everyone saying they have no interest in this.

Published in The Jerusalem Post, August 2, 2024

Moshe Fuzaylov: It’s a morale hit and a very strong operational hit, and it changes this organization from something that has two legs to lean on to one that is limping,

Published in AP, August 1, 2024.

Meir Ben Shabbat: Iran could well be planning for an assassination as “an eye for an eye, but such an attack would take time to prepare.

I estimate that they will respond directly from the territory of Iran and Iraq, in addition to the expected response from Lebanon and the account that the Houthis in Yemen have not yet settled.

Published in Times of Israel, August 1, 2024.