Turkey’s rising regional ambitions put Israel on alert

Prof. Kobi Michael: Israel has found itself in a reality in which it cannot translate its military achievements into a strategic outcome, meaning the shaping of a new regional architecture. The limbo was created by the Americans entering negotiations with the Iranians while completely misunderstanding who the Iranians are. It was clear that there was no realistic possibility of bridging the gaps between the two sides and that the Iranians were merely using the time to rebuild their capabilities, because they have not abandoned the axis as a strategic concept or their goal of eliminating Israel.

Hezbollah is the crown jewel of that axis. That is why the Iranians demanded that the ceasefire with the US be linked to a ceasefire in Lebanon, in order to preserve Hezbollah as their most important strategic asset. This also sends a message to all the other proxies that have been severely weakened in Syria, Iraq, Gaza and Yemen: Iran will come to their aid, just as it is doing for Hezbollah. It is therefore already possible to identify clearly their desire to rebuild the ring of fire around us. As long as this regime exists, there is no chance that Iran will change its ways.

Published in  Israel Hayom, July 21, 2026.

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