The American general who is certain: This is how Iran can be defeated
Globes presents a daily short review of interesting news from the global media about Israel • This time: The American Central Command commander prepared a plan to escalate airstrikes on Iran, Saudi Arabia will announce a military coalition in the Red Sea, and Italy is pressuring Israel to act against settler violence in the West Bank • World newspaper headlines
Against the backdrop of the constantly evolving security situation, the lens of the global media reveals unique perspectives on what is happening in the country. From analyses by international experts, interpretations from a different angle, and small stories from Israel that disappear from view - every day we will present you with a short daily review of what is written in the global media about Israel, to try and decipher how things from here look from overseas.
The articles we present in the section are taken from major newspapers around the world and do not necessarily reflect the worldview of Globes.
1. The American general who wants to decide the campaign in Iran through more bombings
The American general heading the Central Command (CENTCOM), Brad Cooper, has prepared a comprehensive plan to escalate airstrikes on Iran for the next 10 to 14 days, aimed at paralyzing and destroying Iran's missile launch capability; this is reported this morning by the Wall Street Journal.
The plan was brought for approval to the American President, who must now decide - after the US response to the surprise attack on bases in Jordan - whether to continue attacking or to cease fire. The more aggressive option "will reduce the need for the US to use defensive ammunition because Iran will have less ability to attack," the newspaper reports. Previously, it was reported that the US fears escalating the situation due to a shortage of interceptors. This concern was expressed by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Kane, who represents a more moderate approach to the conflict to Donald Trump, according to the report in the American newspaper. Kane and Secretary of Defense Hegseth have "direct access" to the President, while Cooper manages the campaign in the Middle East from Florida, the newspaper analyzed the dynamics of the consultations in the White House regarding the unfolding war.
According to the newspaper, there is a clear division at the top, with Cooper representing a more offensive line, convinced that the campaign can be decided from the air. He demanded about six weeks of activity for this purpose at the start of the war, but in the end, it was agreed to cease fire before that.
By Michael Gordon, Lara Seligman, and Annie Linskey. From the Wall Street Journal. Read the full article.
2. Saudi Arabia will announce an international military coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea
Saudi Arabia plans to announce today (Thursday) an international coalition that will receive a mandate to protect free shipping in the Red Sea, after the pro-Iranian Houthis announced that they would block passage for Saudi ships and tankers; this is reported by the Al-Monitor website, which focuses on news from the Middle East.
According to the report, Riyadh has already sent requests to 50 countries to join the new coalition, including the USA, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. Countries with a coastline on the Red Sea such as Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, and Somalia have already agreed to take part. The central question is whether the US will support the coalition, but no decision has yet been made in Washington on the matter. European countries, some of which are members of the European coalition for securing shipping in the Red Sea ("Aspides"), are waiting for Washington's decision to respond to the Saudi request. "Everyone is waiting for the US to reveal its position. Without real assets, this initiative will not work," a source told the site.
The Saudi urgency to announce a coalition and try to form an effective force stems from an attempt to "preempt the blow" and prevent the Houthis from threatening traffic in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait to the same extent that the Iranians threaten traffic in Hormuz. Due to the war in Iran, more than half of Saudi oil is now exported through a port in the Red Sea.
By Amberin Zaman and Jared Szuba. From Al-Monitor. Read the full article.
3. Italian Foreign Minister: We are waiting for elections in Israel, there is a chance for change
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in an interview with the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that the country is working to pressure Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop settler violence in the West Bank, and that this is part of the "friendly" relations between the countries.
"The fact that we are friends of Israel and defend its right to exist does not mean that we justify settler violence," he noted in the interview, whose headline in the newspaper was "Netanyahu must stop settler violence. Putin must make peace." He said regarding National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, "Italy pushed for sanctions, and we condemn the settlers, their violence, and what they do against Palestinian civilians." The Italian minister was interviewed ahead of an international conference to promote a two-state solution in Rome this week.
When asked by the newspaper about the futility of the Italian and European moves so far, he said, "We need to wait for the elections in Israel in October, against the backdrop of the fact that many are already talking about a national unity government. This development could change the situation, and there are already signs of this."
By Tommaso Ciriaco. From La Repubblica. Read the full article.
