Middle East

Hamas leaders were not neutral civilians; the West should reflect on its hypocrisy when criticising legitimate military action.

Qatar’s military capabilities are limited, and any attempt to use them would likely result in a painful lesson. Still, Doha has ways to inflict significant damage on Israel, and it will not hesitate to use them. One thing is certain: the hugs Arab leaders give the Qataris are fake. Behind closed doors they are smiling, from ear to ear.

In the October 7 context, the publicized thanksgiving prayer of the organization’s leaders, who were in Turkey at the time, is well remembered.

Strategic steps are needed, first and foremost, to diversify sources of imports and reduce dependency on Ankara.

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 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.

Following Hezbollah’s weakening on Lebanon’s internal front, compounded by its defeat by Israel, the country is experiencing profound upheaval.

Any good policy approach must take into account Israel’s security, its diplomatic objectives and relationship with its Druze citizens.

The Jewish state owes a debt to the Druze and a moral duty to stop the massacres – yet it must not jeopardise a fragile opening to the regime.

The high-stakes diplomatic encounter comes as Trump seeks to capitalize on military victory against Iran’s nuclear program to accelerate Middle East peace processes, creating both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges for Israel’s long-term security interests.