Al-Arab, London, May 23
When examining the Israeli economy one cannot help but be impressed with just how well the country is doing. While other Middle Eastern states are facing financial and political volatility, or find themselves immersed in full-blown war, Israel enjoys stability. Investments in the Israeli economy are growing by the day, and despite mounting concerns of an impending confrontation with Iran, the security situation in Israel has never been better. Furthermore, the Israeli government now enjoys the complete and unwavering support of the American administration in its regional and local battles. The recent White House decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the U.S. Embassy to the city is a testament to this. Thus, Israel’s only threats come from its northern border, where Iran is building up its military presence. To combat this danger, Israel has taken an aggressive stance against any attempt to infiltrate its borders. The Israel Air Force conducted several assaults against Iranian targets deep within Syrian territory to challenge the Revolutionary Guards, and has faced very limited, if any, retaliation. What’s more, Tel Aviv seems to have received Russian support, even if tacit, to operate against Iran’s military buildup in Syria. There is no doubt that Israel has the upper hand in this situation. Iran is busy dealing with the potential termination of the nuclear deal, as well as with its military involvement in different campaigns throughout the region. Thus, it should come as no surprise that Iran is now turning to Hizbullah in order to revive its campaign against Israel. With the Syrian option removed from the table, Tehran is looking to mobilize Hizbullah militants against Israel. However, here, too, there are some big advantages for Israel. Hizbullah has gained political momentum in Lebanon following the recent parliamentary elections. It has long outgrown its initial mission of liberating Palestine. Today, it is a legitimate political movement committed to taking over Lebanese politics, but, to do so, it must be recognized by international bodies as a legitimate actor. It will thus have no choice but to abandon the military option against Israel in the near future. Israel, with both of its security threats on the northern border contained, will continue advancing its long-term goals in the region. Tel Aviv recognizes that its security is not merely guaranteed by international resolutions and understandings, but also by the way in which it leverages to its own advantage the internal cracks that have formed within the Arab world. This is exactly what it has been doing, and it has been doing it very successfully. –Ali Amin