Following a military triumph over Iran, Netanyahu faces a crucial decision concerning Gaza.
In the wake of a successful military operation in Iran, coordinated with Mossad, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reveled in the victory. The operation targeted nuclear sites and key Iranian officials with precision, marking a significant achievement for Israel.
Israel extended its operations, asserting air dominance and targeting Tehran’s ballistic missile reserves. Netanyahu hailed this as a “great victory” against a formidable adversary, gaining widespread domestic support. Seventy percent of Israelis, and 82% of Jewish Israelis, backed the decision to strike Iran, viewing it as a vital move against a longstanding existential threat.
However, after the ceasefire, attention shifted to Gaza, where strategic victories like those in Iran remain elusive. The Gaza conflict, marked by prolonged struggles against Hamas’ guerrilla warfare, presents a complex challenge for Israel.
On Thursday, Netanyahu planned to meet with senior officials to strategize on Gaza amidst internal government disagreements. While the far-right calls for escalating the conflict, others see potential for a comprehensive resolution following the success in Iran.
Israel emerged from the Iran conflict as a dominant Middle Eastern military power, capable of striking targets across the region. Yet, the conflict also highlighted limitations, as some Iranian ballistic missiles penetrated Israel’s defense systems, causing significant damage in major cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv.
Despite the military’s high interception rate, missiles that bypassed defenses inflicted unprecedented destruction. In Beer Sheva, a missile strike killed four people and damaged numerous buildings. The incident drew comparisons to missile attacks during the Gulf War of 1990.
The conflict prompted millions in Israel to seek shelter, highlighting vulnerabilities in the face of advanced ballistic missile threats. The financial toll was substantial, with damage estimates exceeding $1.3 billion, vastly surpassing the damage from the conflict with Gaza.
In contrast, the Hamas-led attack on Israel and subsequent Gaza war caused approximately $730 million in damage. The Iron Dome system, effective against rockets from Gaza, struggled against Iran’s more powerful ballistic missiles.
While Israel focused on Iran, the ongoing conflict in Gaza persisted, with attention diverted from the plight of hostages held by Hamas. Despite a ceasefire with Iran, violence continued in Gaza, including a deadly attack on Israeli soldiers in Khan Younis.
Calls for renewed negotiations to resolve the Gaza conflict gained momentum, with Qatar mediating talks. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari cited the Iran ceasefire as an opportunity to restart discussions, though challenges remain.
Netanyahu, having survived political challenges, now faces a pivotal decision: leverage the success in Iran to address the enduring conflict in Gaza. The outcome could define Israel’s strategic direction in a complex regional landscape.
