What’s happening

Former National Security Council head, Maj.-Gen. (Ret.) Giora Eiland, shared insights on Israel’s current military strategies in response to ongoing tensions involving Lebanon, Gaza, and the broader Middle Eastern dynamics influenced by Iranian proxy involvement.

Why it matters

Eiland’s observations highlight key considerations for Israel’s national defense strategy, emphasizing the impacts of regional influence prompted by external actors like Iran. His call for strategic revisions aims at fortifying Israel’s position and promoting stability in the Middle East.

State of Play

In conversation with 103FM, Eiland noted that Israel’s military presence in Lebanon could have substantially altered regional dynamics had efforts involved more comprehensive diplomatic and strategic measures instead of predominately relying on military pressure, especially in Gaza.

The Broader Context

Eiland argued that Iran’s influence is reshaping sovereignty in the region through proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. This “new colonialism,” according to him, strengthens militias beyond the reach of conventional national armed forces, disrupting state stability

The Israeli Advantage

Eiland asserted that Israel has exerted significant influence on Hezbollah’s operations, challenging Iran’s ability to aid support networks in Yemen, Gaza, and Lebanon, a victory in shaping regional power balances that may not have been sufficiently communicated.

The Bottom Line

Eiland emphasized revisiting approaches to Lebanon-specific strategies, advocating for a strategic position that underscores other diplomatic routes alongside military options. In Gaza, an emphasis on less-engagement and sometime proximally strategic tactics are advised, embedding Israel’s military actions within broad frameworks of security stabilization respecting international norms.

This story was first published on jpost.com.