
Israel finds itself in a state of ongoing conflict, a situation that has persisted since October 2023. This state of affairs has been marked by continuous military engagements with various adversaries, including Palestinian groups in Gaza and entities linked to Iran. Some politicians and commentators interpret this as a demonstration of strength, drawing on the concept of “Greater Israel” to suggest a regional dominance akin to a Pax Israelica, with Israel acting as a regional power.
The notion of Israel as a regional hegemon gained some traction following the Abraham Accords in September 2020. However, subsequent military actions have not yielded lasting success. Despite significant military operations, such as those in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon, these groups continue to resist and operate. The Israeli military’s attempts to neutralize threats from Yemen’s Ansar Allah and Iran have similarly ended in failure, with these groups maintaining their capabilities.
Amidst these challenges, Israeli leaders have expressed intentions to confront Turkey, with former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu making statements about Turkey’s alignment with Iran. This ongoing military posture is seen by some as a means for Netanyahu to divert attention from domestic issues, including corruption allegations.
The persistence of Israel’s military engagements can be attributed to the influence of the settler-based far right, which has increasingly shaped the country’s political and military strategies. This situation raises questions about the sustainability of such a state of perpetual conflict and the broader implications for regional stability. As tensions continue, the international community watches closely, considering the moral and ethical dimensions of these ongoing conflicts.
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