Israel's Pyrrhic Victory Is Peace Worth the Price of Isolation?

The Cost of Victory: Israel's Ascendancy and Growing Isolation

For 75 years, Israel has navigated a turbulent sea of hostile neighbors. Today, the landscape has dramatically shifted. The Jewish state, a nation roughly the size of New Jersey, has seemingly overpowered its adversaries – Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and even their primary backer, Iran.

This display of strength has ushered in a new era. For the first time since its establishment in 1948, Israel faces a future relatively unburdened by immediate existential threats. The specter of a nuclear Iran has receded, perhaps even vanished. The nation enjoys stable, albeit tense, relationships with Persian Gulf Arab states. Furthermore, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has solidified a strong alliance with President Trump.

Yaakov Amidror, a retired Israeli general and former top aide to Mr. Netanyahu, articulated this shift, stating that areas previously under constant threat from Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza "will be more secure than Manhattan."

However, this victory comes at a significant price.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's unwavering and forceful military response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of 1,200 lives and the abduction of 250 hostages, has solidified a perception of Israel as an outcast on the global stage.

The nation's leadership faces accusations of genocide and war crimes, leading to disdain from certain world leaders. Global opinion polls reflect this growing isolation, with a majority expressing negative sentiments toward Israel.

This raises critical questions about the true nature of victory. While military dominance offers tangible security, it seemingly cannot guarantee international acceptance or alleviate concerns regarding humanitarian issues.

Here's a summary of the key takeaways:

• Military Supremacy: Israel has demonstrably overpowered its regional adversaries.
• Reduced Immediate Threats: The risk of a nuclear Iran has diminished, and relationships with Gulf Arab states are stable.
• Growing Isolation: Global perception of Israel is increasingly negative, with accusations of war crimes and genocide.
• High Cost of Victory: The pursuit of security has come at the expense of international standing and goodwill.

The situation presents a complex paradox. Israel has achieved a level of security and dominance unprecedented in its history, yet it finds itself increasingly isolated and criticized on the world stage. The challenge now lies in finding a path towards lasting peace and security that balances its legitimate defense needs with the imperative to uphold international law and human rights, thereby regaining the trust and respect of the global community. Only then can Israel truly claim a complete and sustainable victory.

Tags: Israel, Middle East, Netanyahu, Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Gaza, Yemen, Trump, Jewish state

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/world/middleeast/israel-cost-of-victory.html