Al-Sharq al-Awsat, London, May 15
Previously, when the Israeli military engaged Iran, it was done indirectly, targeting Tehran’s proxies on Israel’s borders such as Hizbullah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, the recent Israeli attacks in Syria, which, according to numerous reports, significantly impacted on the Revolutionary Guards’ military capabilities, were the first direct confrontation between the two countries. It was a true test of their respective military forces and it left Iran humiliated and Israel triumphant. This is a new reality that we’re slowly getting used to in the Middle East: that is, Israel has slowly transitioned from being a local actor concerned primarily with its own borders to a regional superpower that acts like the neighborhood’s cop. The U.S. administration already made clear that sanctions on Iran will be re-imposed unless Tehran commits to forgoing its ambition for a military nuclear program, in addition to withdrawing all of its forces from other countries in the region. Under the current Iranian leadership, however, it is unlikely that such conditions will be met. This will pave the way for a growing Israeli role in the region. With American backing, Tel Aviv will continue to closely monitor Iran and its activities and take any action necessary to limit its power. While it is one of the smallest countries in the region, Israel might become the most powerful player in the Middle East in years to come. Some countries, like Egypt, have already decided to align with it, while other countries, like the UAE, are still deciding where they stand. Regardless, the current political climate allows Tel Aviv to assume a role it never assumed before. –Abd al-Rahman al-Rashed