The front complicating Israel's situation: between American pressure and the threat from Iran | Avi Ashkenazi

The IDF has been operating in recent weeks on the Ali-Taher ridge. The goal is to clear the area, with an emphasis on the underground space where Hezbollah terrorists are trapped in the organization's strategic tunnels. The IDF is determined to defeat the terrorists underground and subsequently collapse the tunnels.

Over the weekend, IDF forces operated in the area while Hezbollah attempted to rescue its people from the depths of the earth. In recent weeks, quite a few incidents have been recorded, some involving gunfire surrounding Hezbollah's attempts. Against this backdrop, an event occurred on Friday evening when Hezbollah launched a drone towards IDF forces in the Ali-Taher ridge area. The IDF explained that for operational considerations, they preferred not to publicize the ceasefire violation by Hezbollah.

Israel is currently walking a fine line. The main arena was and remains the Iranian arena. In Israel, there is concern about what is happening in Iran: the fact that it has not dismantled its enriched uranium, that the Ayatollah regime continues to threaten the entire Arab Gulf and the Middle East, and that they continue to embarrass the American president. The secondary arenas are Lebanon and Gaza, while the more minor arenas are Syria and the West Bank. This is the reason why the political echelon is trying to perform "acrobatic maneuvers" to bring the Americans to an understanding that Israel's state and security interests must be secured for the future.

In both secondary arenas — Lebanon and Gaza — Israel has red lines. In both, the general lines are similar: the disarmament of terrorist organizations, maintaining security depth, and the ability to use fire and force for self-defense. However, between Gaza and Lebanon, there are differences. Lebanon is a sovereign state in which Hezbollah operates against the interests of the State of Lebanon, whereas in Gaza, the sovereign was and remains Hamas.

Currently, the Americans are pressuring Israel on all fronts. The main goal of the US right now is Iran, exactly as it is the main goal of Israel. It is understood that Iran is currently "stuck in everyone's throat" because it cannot be swallowed and cannot be vomited. The problem of the leadership of Israel and the US is identical: they need security results ahead of the elections. However, at the moment, the American pressure in the secondary arenas does not converge with the interests of the Israeli political echelon.

Regarding Iran, the Americans are implementing a naval blockade that is severely affecting the economy. It is a matter of days to weeks before this may lead to a collapse within Iran. The second move by the US is applying pressure to advance in Gaza and Lebanon along the political path. The question is whether Israel will withstand the American pressure. Yesterday, the Prime Minister flexed his muscles on the matter when he declared that the IDF would not withdraw from Gaza before Hamas is disarmed. But in practice, the IDF is acting according to American trust when it holds fire in Gaza, which allows Hamas to strengthen, arm itself, and even plan for the day after.