(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Amir Eshel - Following the targeting of senior Hizbullah commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Israel has been readying itself for an attack from Iran and Lebanon. For now, there is no need for Israel to take preemptive action against Iran unless one of the players escalates to full-scale war. Israel will certainly react to any Iranian and Hizbullah attacks with strikes of its own, in a manner reflecting the outcome of their attacks. There is also consensus in Israel that Hizbullah's continued presence on the northern frontier is unacceptable. A ceasefire with Hizbullah would not be enough to make evacuated Israeli citizens comfortable about moving back to their homes in the north. That sense of security will only come if the group is fully removed from the border and Israel must be prepared to do what is necessary in the north. Regarding a Gaza ceasefire, Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar has not yet reached the point of desperation. Israel may control the Philadelphi Corridor between Egypt and Gaza, but Hamas still has access to some of its weapons supply lines. The writer, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, formerly served as director-general of the Israel Defense Ministry and commander of the Israel Air Force.
2024-08-15 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive