In a series of significant military operations, Israel has sought to reassert its dominance in the region following the unprecedented attacks by Hamas on October 7. The Israeli military conducted three targeted strikes, including a long-range airstrike on Yemen's Hodeidah port, the assassination of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut, and the high-profile killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. These operations are seen as attempts to regain Israel's prestige, restore the deterrence equation against adversaries like Iran and Hezbollah, and create a narrative of success for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza. The support from the Biden administration has been crucial, with military and intelligence backing indicating a strong U.S. presence in these operations. However, this alignment raises concerns about the potential for escalating violence in the region and the implications for U.S. interests globally. Washington's collaboration with Netanyahu has sparked debate over whether it is inadvertently fueling a wider conflict, particularly as the U.S. navigates its own domestic political landscape with upcoming elections.
- The U.S. administration's support for Israel's military actions is driven by a shared interest in restoring the regional deterrence that has been challenged in recent months. This partnership aims to counter Iran's influence, especially after the perceived failures of normalization efforts that were underway prior to the recent hostilities. The Biden administration, facing challenges on multiple foreign policy fronts, appears to be leveraging its relationship with Israel as a strategic counterbalance in the Middle East, while also navigating the complexities of its own political climate. The risk of escalating the conflict may lead to greater American involvement, potentially shifting the U.S. role from a supportive ally to an active participant in military operations against Iran and its allies, thereby complicating its geopolitical strategy.
