What should Israel do now?

Following Iran’s bombardment of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and armed drones against Israel, and the Israeli response on Iranian territory, direct war between the two countries has arrived. Until now, this shadow war has been carried out by subcontractors of the Iranian regime, what has been called in Western media proxies. It is time to acknowledge that the Iranian empire now extends from Tehran to Lebanon in the north and Yemen in the south taking in Gaza, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East within it. The various terror proxies are actually regional extensions of the Iranian army. So any response to Iran must include these regional parts of the Iranian army too.

Iran’s relentless pursuit of nuclear capabilities, coupled with its support for its regional armies like Hezbollah, poses a grave threat to regional stability and Israel’s security. In light of these challenges, the question arises: what should Israel do next? The response: destroy the immediate threats from the Iranian army in Lebanon, Gaza and Yemen, create robust deterrence mechanisms and stop the Ayatollahs going nuclear.

Iran’s nuclear ambitions have long been a source of concern for the international community, with Tehran repeatedly defying calls to halt its enrichment activities. The prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran not only threatens the security of Israel but also destabilizes the entire region, potentially sparking a dangerous arms race and emboldening other hostile actors.

Moreover, Iran’s support for its regional army units, most notably Hezbollah in Lebanon, poses an existential threat to Israel’s security. Hezbollah’s extensive missile arsenal, supplied and funded by Iran, poses a significant risk to Israeli population centres and infrastructure across the length and breadth of Israel. 10/7 taught the world that deterrence alone does not stop jihadi Islamists.

The presence of these missiles on Israel’s doorstep necessitates decisive action to neutralize this threat and protect civilian lives. Israel cannot afford to wait for an imminent attack before taking action; immediate measures are essential to degrade Hezbollah’s offensive capabilities and safeguard Israeli lives.

A targeted military strike against Hezbollah’s missile depots and infrastructure in Lebanon would serve to disrupt its operations, degrade its firepower, and enhance Israel’s defensive posture. By neutralizing this threat, Israel can prevent a potentially devastating conflict and send a clear message to its adversaries that it will not hesitate to defend itself against aggression.

Effective deterrence is essential in preventing adversaries from engaging in hostile attacks and maintaining regional stability. Israel must demonstrate its resolve and capacity to respond decisively to any threat to its security. According to foreign sources, Israel’s limited strike on Iranian territory sent a message that Israel is capable of degrading Iran’s nuclear capabilities which should serve as a powerful deterrent against a nuclear breakout or future aggression.

By showcasing its military capabilities and willingness to take decisive action, Israel will dissuade Iran and her regional armies from escalating tensions and provoking conflict. Establishing a credible deterrence posture is crucial in safeguarding Israel’s security and deterring potential adversaries from testing its resolve.

The decision to undertake military action against the Iranian army throughout the Middle East is fraught with risks and requires the support of Israel’s regional and international partners, most notably the USA and Saudi Arabia. Their interests together with the need to return the hostages will be an integral part of the Israeli decision making process. In the face of Iran’s persistent provocations and the escalating threat posed by Hezbollah’s missile arsenal in Lebanon, Israel must consider all available options to protect its citizens; ensure its security and that of the region.