NETANYAHU IS AT A CROSSROADS

By Vincent Lyn

“The message to the U.S. is forceful: Iran is ready to attack Israel with ballistic missiles and defy the West, including a direct warning to Biden. They could the same thing against any U.S. ally in the Gulf region. Iran does not want a war, but it is capable of responding. So, if it does not want a war, the message to the U.S. is that it has to restrain its adolescent child, Israel, the child that has been pampered for so long, it think it can do to the region whatever it wants.

Israel has now led its backers into a hell hole in which there is not even a prospect of peace, no defeat of Hamas, no prospect of a post-war government, dwindling deterrence to other armed groups in the region, and the prospect of a low-level regional war on all of Israel’s frontiers simultaneously.”

• Opinion by David Hearst — Editor-in-Chief of Middle East Eye

Benjamin Netanyahu’s calculated decision to initiate the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus two weeks ago reveals his strategic intent. As Israel faces setbacks in its offensive in Gaza, opposition to Netanyahu’s leadership is on the rise. Tensions with his key supporter, U.S President Biden, have become overt, resulting in a swift decline in global approval. Once again, Israel portrays itself as the victim to maintain the narrative of existential struggle. The U.S was also cognizant of Netanyahu’s aims, which primarily involved enticing America into an attack on Iran, marking the third attempt in 14 years. The orchestrated strike was designed to convey multiple messages to the U.S, Israel, and the Arab region, demonstrating Iran’s capability to directly target Israel without provoking a full-scale conflict.

It aimed to convey to the U.S that Iran’s presence in the Gulf was entrenched. It sought to send a warning to every Arab regime aligning with Israel that they too could face similar consequences. While only a few rockets reached their intended target, every message was effectively transmitted. Consequently, the attack achieved its strategic objectives and tarnished Israel’s image as the dominant force in the region. Netanyahu now faces a dilemma: escalating tensions with Iran risks further deteriorating his already strained relationship with the U.S. Perhaps the most ill-advised move by Israeli security sources on Sunday was boasting publicly about the assistance received from the Jordanian air force in intercepting drones and missiles. Israel only maintains relations with Arab leaders who suppress dissent and impose corrupt governance on their people. While Jordan’s actions may provide temporary relief for Israel, they spell long-term trouble along Israel’s most sensitive border. Iran has made its mark, and Israel emerges weaker as a consequence.

Vincent Lyn

CEO & Founder of We Can Save Children

Deputy Ambassador of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC)

Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization

Economic & Social Council at United Nations (ECOSOC)

Rescue & Recovery Specialist at International Confederation of Police & Security Experts