Israel’s New Play: Turning War into a Chance for Change

Israel has stepped up its actions against Iran and its allies, turning what once seemed like a risky move into a strategic opportunity. For years the country worried that striking Iran would invite retaliation from Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese group backed by Tehran. Now, Israel and the United States control much of the airspace over Iran and are systematically dismantling its missile sites. When Hezbollah fired a modest wave of rockets and drones into northern Israel, the Israeli military used that as justification to launch a larger offensive against Hezbollah leaders in Beirut and across Lebanon.The commander of the Israeli army, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, told his troops that the campaign would finish not only with blows to Iran but also with a severe setback for Hezbollah, hinting that the fight would continue until the Lebanese threat was neutralized. This new war shows a shift in Israel’s thinking after the surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023 and the intelligence mistakes that followed. Instead of waiting for an inevitable confrontation, Israel has taken the initiative to shape regional dynamics in its favor. The partnership with the United States and confidence in its own forces give Israel a sense that it can tackle both Iran’s nuclear ambitions and Hezbollah’s influence. By seizing this moment, Israel aims to advance its own geopolitical goals while dealing with the perceived weaknesses of its most dangerous opponents.