The United States has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East as tensions rise, prompting a senior Israeli officer to advocate for a comprehensive war against Iran and Hezbollah. This call for action comes amid a strategic context where Israel finds itself at the forefront of a conflict involving multiple global powers, including Iran, Russia, and China, against the United States and its allies.
Amit Yagur, a former Israeli military official, emphasized that Israel is currently engaged in a war of attrition against Hamas, which is expected to evolve into more direct military operations on the ground. He suggested that a decisive victory would require targeting Hamas's civilian governance in Gaza, as well as its leadership, particularly Yahya Sinwar.
Yagur also expressed skepticism about negotiations for a prisoner exchange, arguing that these talks are less about humanitarian concerns and more about setting the stage for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. He highlighted Iran's advancing nuclear capabilities and noted that Tehran is not inclined to engage in a regional war that could jeopardize its interests or those of its proxies, including Hezbollah.
The senior officer outlined several options for Israel moving forward, weighing the consequences of each. He warned that any deal that allows Hamas to maintain control would not represent a victory for Israel, while advocating for a large-scale attack to reshape the regional landscape. Yagur concluded by asserting that there exists a unique strategic opportunity that Israel must capitalize on to redefine its future priorities.
