Israel's Iron Grip How War is Remaking the Middle East

With a Series of Wars, Israel's Military Reshapes the Mideast

In a dramatic turn of events, Israel has reasserted its military dominance in the Middle East, leaving a significantly altered regional landscape in its wake. This resurgence comes after a period of vulnerability following the surprise attack on October 7, 2023. Through a series of decisive actions against Iran and its proxies, Israel has projected its power and influence, prompting widespread discussion and analysis.

The recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, following 12 days of intense airstrikes, may signal a temporary lull in the major battles that have gripped the region since the Hamas attack. However, critical political disputes remain unresolved, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to cast a shadow over Israel's international standing.

Key Developments and Observations:

• Dominance Over Iran: Israel's air force demonstrated its capabilities by repeatedly striking Iranian nuclear and military sites.
• Weakening of Proxies: Conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon have significantly weakened these Iranian-backed groups.
• Shifting Alliances: The ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while not directly orchestrated by Israel, removed a key Iranian ally from the regional equation.

The Collapse of Iran's Proxy Network

For decades, Iran has cultivated a network of proxies, often referred to as the "axis of resistance," aimed at exerting pressure on Israel from multiple fronts. This strategy has resulted in a volatile Middle East, characterized by a power struggle between Israel, backed by the U.S., and Iran along with its affiliated groups.

According to Hussein Ibish, with the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, "The Iranian camp is decimated and beaten to smithereens." The events of the past two years have underscored Israel's military superiority, particularly with U.S. support.

Hamas' Miscalculation

The severity of the Hamas attack, which resulted in over 1,100 Israeli casualties, triggered a robust response from Israel. Ibish notes, "Hamas tries to claim, 'We didn't know that the October attack would be game-changing and bring out Israel with all its force.' That's just absolute nonsense. They knew it. They wanted it."

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader behind the attack, envisioned a broader regional conflict against Israel. However, Hamas received limited support from Hezbollah and the Houthis, leading to a realignment of the region in a manner unintended by Sinwar.

Vali Nasr, an Iran expert at Johns Hopkins University, observes, "In very short order, Iran's entire presence around Israel's borders collapsed. Israel found much greater room to maneuver in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza. And then Israel decided this was the time to press this advantage and settle things with Iran as well."

The Limits of Military Power

While Israel has made significant strides in reducing its security threats, political differences, especially concerning the Palestinian issue, remain unresolved. The ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked by high Palestinian casualties, underscores the complexities of the situation.

Key Considerations:

• Palestinian Statehood: The call for Palestinian statehood continues to garner widespread support, influencing political dynamics and international relations.
• International Scrutiny: The genocide case filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice reflects the heightened scrutiny and criticism.
• Stalled Normalization: Progress in establishing diplomatic and business relations between Israel and Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, has been hindered by the unresolved Palestinian issue.

Nasr emphasizes, "Israel cannot move into the region, coexist with the region, build these normal relations, without solving this issue."

U.S.-Israel Alliance

Despite occasional friction, the U.S.-Israel alliance remains strong, exemplified by U.S. airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program. Former President Trump has expressed strong support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Looking Ahead

Nasr concludes, "The Israel that has come out of October 7th and the Gaza war is confident. It wants to settle its security issues around the region once and for all. If it's successful, then we will be dealing with a very different Middle East in which Israeli military power will reign supreme."

However, the future remains uncertain. If Israel fails to achieve its objectives, the region risks reverting to a more dangerous stalemate than before. The path forward requires careful navigation, addressing both security concerns and long-standing political grievances.

Tags: Israel, Middle East, Iran, Military, Conflict, Gaza, Hamas, Airstrikes, Ceasefire, Political Disputes

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/28/nx-s1-5440332/with-a-series-of-wars-israels-military-reshapes-the-mideast