By: Ahmed Fathi
New York: The death of Gaza's Hamas leader, Yahya al-Sinwar, marks a turning point in the fast-changing Middle East geopolitical scene. Few notable military targets have apparently come from Israel's continuous operations in Gaza, suggesting a possible change in Israel's emphasis toward reducing Iranian influence over the larger region.
U.S. engagement has increased as hostilities rise; yesterday, a B2 bomber targeting the Iranian-backed Houthis struck five sites in Yemen. This action is a component of a bigger endeavor to destroy Iran's Middle Eastern proxy systems. As Israeli forces turn their focus elsewhere, Gaza, which has been severely bombarded, seems to have strategic value no more for additional Israeli strikes.
Hezbollah's possible disarmament is seen as another vital action in Lebanon helping to lower Iran's influence. Based on reports, Hezbollah might turn over its weapons to the Lebanese army within weeks or months in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. To offset losses suffered in the war with Israel, Hezbollah has already started pulling its troops from Syria and reallocating them to Lebanon. Israeli forces have meanwhile arrived at Quneitra, on the Syrian-Iraqi border, trying to stop the flow of Shia militias into Lebanon.
Already split by years of civil war, Syria keeps suffering almost daily Israeli strikes aimed at military assets connected to Iran. This ongoing aerial assault emphasizes Israel's will to restrict Tehran's influence in the area.
Regional stability stays fragile given the changing circumstances and the likelihood of more Israeli strikes on Iran. A more general regional conflict seems more likely as the intricate interaction between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran gets more intense.
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