A Historic Opportunity for a New Middle East

The collapse of the “Axis of Resistance,” the alliance once led by Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah, marks a seismic shift in the Middle East. This coalition, previously a significant force challenging Israel and its allies, has disintegrated under the weight of strategic missteps, decisive Israeli military campaigns, and shifting regional dynamics. For Israel, this moment represents a rare opportunity to shape a future defined by peace, stability, and regional leadership.

The Disintegration of the Axis

Bashar al-Assad’s flight to Russia earlier this month and the takeover of Syria by Ha’yat Tahrir al-Sham have shattered Iran’s longstanding foothold in the region. Syria, once the vital conduit for Iranian arms and support to Hezbollah, is no longer a reliable partner. This loss compounds the devastation Iran has faced elsewhere: Hezbollah, its most formidable proxy, has been crippled by Israeli military precision.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently detailed Israel’s campaign to neutralize Hezbollah. The systematic destruction of missile stockpiles, underground infrastructure, and key leadership—including Hassan Nasrallah—has left Hezbollah unable to pose a credible threat. “We knocked down Hezbollah, which was supposed to protect Iran, and Iran didn’t protect Hezbollah either,” Netanyahu said, describing the unraveling of the axis​.

Iran’s Isolation and Vulnerabilities

Iran’s ambitions to project power through its proxies have all but collapsed. Decades of investments—estimated at $30 billion in Syria and $20 billion in Lebanon—have been obliterated. Simultaneously, Iran is grappling with a deep domestic crisis, symbolized by a debilitating energy shortage and public unrest. Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile production and air defenses have further undermined Tehran’s ability to recover, leaving its military stretched thin and its regional influence diminished​.

Netanyahu’s strategy to “split the axis” has effectively left Iran isolated, its allies either dismantled or neutralized. With Hezbollah weakened, Syria lost, and Hamas isolated in Gaza, Iran now faces the daunting task of defending its own territory with diminished resources and growing internal challenges.

A New Era of Opportunity for Israel

For Israel, the unraveling of the Axis of Resistance is more than a military triumph—it is a historic opportunity to shape a new regional order. Freed from the immediate threat of its most determined adversaries, Israel is poised to expand its influence through diplomacy, trade, and security partnerships.

The Abraham Accords have already laid the groundwork for normalization with Arab states, and the prospect of formalizing ties with Saudi Arabia appears increasingly attainable. As Netanyahu highlighted, this could be “the natural expansion of the Abraham Accords,” further integrating Israel into the region’s economic and political fabric​.

Strategically, Israel now has the bandwidth to invest in long-term stability. By supporting rebuilding efforts in neighboring countries, fostering economic cooperation, and strengthening its alliances with moderate Arab states, Israel can position itself as a leader in a Middle East increasingly defined by pragmatism rather than conflict.

Balancing Optimism with Vigilance

While this moment offers great promise, it is not without risks. The collapse of Syria and Hezbollah’s retreat leave power vacuums that could be exploited by new extremist groups or rival states seeking influence. Additionally, Iran, though weakened, remains a volatile adversary, particularly as it approaches a leadership transition and faces renewed pressure on its nuclear program.

Israel must tread carefully, balancing its military successes with measured diplomacy to ensure that today’s gains translate into lasting stability. Building trust with former adversaries and offering frameworks for economic and social cooperation could reinforce its position as a stabilizing force.

A Vision for a New Middle East

The disintegration of the Axis of Resistance heralds a new era in the Middle East, one defined less by entrenched conflict and more by opportunities for collaboration. For Israel, the moment is ripe to lead this transformation. By fostering partnerships, leveraging its technological and economic strengths, and maintaining vigilance against emerging threats, Israel can secure not only its future but also the future of a more stable and prosperous region.

As Netanyahu aptly noted, “Power isn’t merely guns, missiles, tanks, and aircraft. It’s the will to fight and seize the initiative.” The question now is how Israel will wield its newfound power to write the next chapter of Middle Eastern history. With strategic foresight and bold leadership, Israel has the potential to turn this historic moment into a foundation for peace that endures for generations.