Opinion
בשאר אסד
This was the year that changed the Middle East
Analysis: The Middle East at the start of 2025 looks completely different than it did a year ago, and there are more changes in store, as the geopolitical moves continue, including normalization with Saudi Arabia
Smadar Perry | 23:54 | 01.02.25
אבו מוחמד אל-ג'ולאני ששמו האמיתי אחמד א-שרע השליט בפועל של סוריה ומנהיג המורדים הג'יהאדיסטים מ הייאת תחריר א-שאם במפגש עם בכיר מקטאר ב דמשק 23 בדצמבר
Israel on guard: The complex puzzle of Syria's Ahmad al-Sharaa
Commentary: The fate of Syria, the future of women in the country and the relations with Israel depend heavily on when one listens to its de facto leader — and how much fear he evokes
Smadar Perry | 00:31 | 01.02.25
מנחם בגין, ג'ימי קרטר, אנואר סאדאת
Carter, Iran and the legacy of destabilization in the Middle East
Opinion: As we reflect on Carter’s complex legacy, it’s clear that his tenure in office was marked by both successes and failures for Jerusalem and Tehran
Amine Ayoub | 00:06 | 01.02.25
מסיאף
20 minutes to impact: How Israel's daring Syria raid crippled Iran’s missile plans
Commentary: In September, IDF commandos raided a Syrian missile facility, destroying planetary mixers vital for producing solid rocket fuel for Hezbollah and Syria; airstrikes forced guards into hiding as troops rappelled in to strike
Ron Ben-Yishai | 21:44 | 01.01.25
הפגנות פרו פלסטיניות בדיסלדורף גרמניה
No Hebrew, no kippa, no security: Life as an Israeli abroad
It's not that it was wonderful to be an Israeli or a Jew abroad even before October 7, but the Hamas massacre turned life abroad into a military operation; Just in the last year, our house has been vandalized with two swastikas
Zeev Avrahami, Berflin | 12:53 | 01.01.25
רונן בר והרצי הלוי
Foiling terror attacks, collaborating with the IDF: Shin Bet's year of recovery
Analysis: Despite Hamas' efforts to ignite violence in West Bank and Israel, security agency reports 40% drop in successful terror attacks; partnering with IDF in Gaza, operatives target Hamas leaders, search for hostages and work to minimize soldier casualties
Ron Ben-Yishai | 09:25 | 01.01.25
אלמוג סרוסי כרמל גת הרש גולדברג פולין אלכס לובנוב עדן ירושלמי אורי דנינו נרצחו במנהרה בשבי חמאס
World chose to ignore Hamas sex crimes, that will not change
Opinion: Despite evidence over years documenting Jihadist groups using rape, abuse of women and girls, world judges Hamas differently, opting to see it as a victim of Israel's colonialism
Ben Dror Yemini | 00:23 | 01.01.25
Putin and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Russia and Iran sign further defense agreements but ideologically remain apart
Analysis: Moscow and Tehran are finalizing a defense pact to counter Western influence, leveraging military and energy ties; however, ideological divides, trust issues over Ukraine and Israel, and unmet military commitments strain their partnership
Jennifer Teale | 14:23 | 12.31.24
צה"ל ושב״כ סיימו פעילות ממוקדת לסיכול טרור באופן מדויק במרחב בית החולים האינדונזי
The IDF is stuck in an endless tango with Hamas in Gaza
Opinion: Israel continues its futile dance against its weakest enemy in the Strip by taking a step forward at the cost of fatalities and injuries followed by a step back that allows terror to resurface
Amichai Attali | 17:27 | 12.30.24
מוחמד ברכה
A wake-up call: Probe calls by Arab leader for armed resistance against Israel
Opinion: Former MK Mohammed Barakeh’s speech at a Jordan conference endorsing armed resistance against Israel has drawn sharp criticism; Attorney General Baharav-Miara must investigate Barakeh for incitement to violence
Avraham Binyamin | 11:42 | 12.30.24
שחקני נבחרת סעודיה במשחק במסגרת מוקדמות המונדיאל
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: How soccer became the heart of a nation’s ambition
Saudi Arabia secures 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting rights, marking a major step in its Vision 2030 plan to become a global sports powerhouse; Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr signing was just a prestigious first step in a much larger plan
Dr. Ofer Muchtar | 00:31 | 12.30.24
עבד אל-מלכ בדר א-דין אל-חות'י , מנהיג החות'ים בתימן.
Houthi strikes on Israel are just practice for the real thing
Analysis: If a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is agreed, the 50,000 to 100,000 armed Houthi fighters will go for their ultimate goal, control of all of Yemen; families of leaders flown to Iraq for safety 
Smadar Perry | 12:09 | 12.29.24
Hamas and Hezbollah aren’t liberators – here’s why
Opinion: Reframing Hamas and Hezbollah as 'freedom fighters' distorts reality, legitimizing terror and undermining global security; these groups reject coexistence, target civilians and rely on propaganda, while their actions are fueled by Iran and weak local governance
Amir Avivi | 20:35 | 12.28.24
(אילוסטרציה)
Artificial Intelligence – The good, the biased, and the unethical
The rise of AI brings groundbreaking advancements but also dangerous pitfalls, from deepfakes spreading misinformation to biased algorithms amplifying inequality, the ethical dilemmas are vast; We examine the dark side of AI, exploring its misuse, harmful errors, and the urgent need for accountability
Oren Bar-Ner | 10:55 | 12.28.24
לורנס איש ערב
What to expect for Syria according to Lawrence of Arabia
Opinion: To understand the complex situation in Syria after Assad’s fall and gain clearer insight into the country’s future, one only needs to watch a film that, 62 years ago, depicted the limitations of tribal society
Michael Oren | 19:29 | 12.27.24
עימותים בין מנגנוני הביטחון של הרשות הפלסטינית לחמושי "גדודי ג'נין"
The West Bank, rife with terror, is a ticking time bomb
Opinion: Israel failed to foresee and prepare for Hamas' attack on October 7 and now has a chance to make ready for threats coming from the Palestinian territories
Naveh Dromi | 13:25 | 12.27.24
ההכנות לתקיפה והמראת המטוסים של חיל האוויר לתימן
Israel's plan: Blockading Houthis and their Iranian supply route
Analysis: The IDF's recent attack in Yemen was impactful and well executed, but Israel will be required to take further steps to make sure the Yemeni threat won't become more serious
Yossi Yehoshua | 08:54 | 12.27.24
תקיפות ישראליות ליד נמל התעופה בצנעא תימן
Raising the cost for the Houthis: A severe blow to ties with Iran
Commentary: Airstrikes on Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port aim to disrupt Houthi access to Iranian weapons, showing that distance not a factor; despite close US coordination, defense officials assert strikes won’t deter Houthis and end war of attrition
Ron Ben-Yishai | 22:17 | 12.26.24
חות'ים במפגן תמיכה בעזה ב צנעא תימן 20 בדצמבר
You can't make the Houthis back down, they are not afraid
Opinion: Iran will continue to supply its Yemeni proxy with arms and directives to attack Israel until a cease-fire is reached in Gaza
Smadar Perry | 12:22 | 12.26.24
מנהיג איראן עלי חמינאי נאום טהרן
The West has let dictators run free and disaster is close at hand
Opinion: The West has failed to break the years-long pattern of insufficient or absent resistance to dictatorships and now faces multiple crises simultaneously
Dan Zamansky | 09:26 | 12.25.24
yk14193414
Yes, it's an antisemitic report
Opinion: Senior reserve officer slams Dr. Lee Mordechai’s report accusing Israel of genocide as ‘blood libel’; widely shared by dubious sources, including antisemites, the report fuels anti-Israel sentiment while overlooking Hamas’ use of human shields and racist ideology
Ben-Dror Yemini | 22:16 | 12.23.24
זירת נפילת הטיל החות'י בשדרות הבעש"ט ביפו, תל אביב
Tehran must be defeated before Sanaa
Opinion: Waking up in the middle of the night to sirens warning of a Houthi missile is unnerving, but we must not take our eye off the real problem; The Iranian regime continues to feed the Yemeni threat, and unless we cut it off at its source we're looking at many more Israeli, American and British airstrikes on Sanaa that are unlikely to grant anything more than momentary relief
Ben-Dror Yemini | 11:03 | 12.22.24
תמונה קרועה של נשיא סוריה לשעבר בשאר אל-אסד בכלא מזה
These are the options we face in Syria, and what is good for us
 Analysis - Damascus faces three strategic alternatives: deepen ties with Turkey, fall into Iran's honey trap, or return to the fold of the Arab states; The big question is how its choice will align with Israeli interests
Eyal Hulata | 09:30 | 12.22.24
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Iran Accountability Act: Tehran's oil revenues should compensate its victims
Opinion: Fahad Almasri urges global action against Iran, citing its long-standing role in fueling instability via terror proxies, nuclear threats and aggression. His Iran Accountability Act calls for reparations, sanctions and oversight of Iranian assets to curb its influence
Fahad Almasri | 00:14 | 12.22.24
Mohammad Hannoun
Crackdown on Hamas money man in Italy only first step to cut its financial lifelines
Analysis: US Treasury Department sanctions against Mohammad Hannoun and other key Hamas actors in Europe require European authorities to take immediate action in order to cut all financial support to terror group
Giovanni Giacalone | 15:25 | 12.21.24
זירת נפילת הטיל החות'י בשדרות הבעש"ט ביפו, תל אביב
A gap in Israel's defense: The reasons behind failure to intercept Houthi missile
Analysis: Recent failures to intercept Yemeni munitions targeting Israel could be linked to a vulnerability in its air defense system or an increase in Iranian missile sophistication
Ron Ben-Yishai | 12:25 | 12.21.24
לטקיה
The strategic significance of the IDF’s actions in Syria
Analysis: Israel’s new preemptive defense doctrine, unveiled by its actions in Syria, marks a pivot from deterrence to proactive strikes, dismantling Syria’s strategic arms and signaling warnings to Hezbollah and Iran; the approach aims to shorten conflicts and enhance security
Dr. Avigdor Haselkorn | 22:59 | 12.20.24
ותיקן אפיפיור פרנסיסקוס תפילה מול בובת ישו ב אבוס עם כאפייה פלסטינית
The Vatican’s disturbing display: Distorting Jesus’ legacy for political gain
Opinion: Vatican rightly removed Nativity scene featuring baby Jesus on Palestinian keffiyeh, which distorts Jesus’ Jewish identity and politicizes sacred Christian symbols; display fueled division and detracted from universal message of peace
Dov Maimon | 20:37 | 12.20.24
בנימין נתניהו, עבד אל-מאליכ בדר א-דין אל-חות'י
Only significant Israeli-American action would end Houthi threat
Analysis: Israel's strike on Hodeida and Sanaa can have no real effect on the rebel force motivated by extreme Muslim fervor and euphoria over military successes; without targeting their weapons production, their leaders and civilian control, they will persist 
Ron Ben-Yishai | 13:17 | 12.19.24
ארין מולן
Supporting pro-Israel allies against cancel culture
Opinion: Backing allies like Erin Molan, who face personal and professional backlash for their pro-Israel stance, is vital amid rising antisemitism and cancel culture; recognizing those who risk everything to fight injustice and double standards is more important than ever
Rabbi Steven Burg | 21:37 | 12.18.24
תקיפות צה"ל ברצועה
Selective justice: The double standards of international criticism against Israel
Opinion: Where was Amnesty International, which accuses Israel of genocide, during Assad's slaughter of Syrians or Sudan’s Darfur genocide? Hopes human rights groups would avoid bias of global bodies have proven unfounded, highlighting persistent double standard
Ben Dror-Yemini | 18:34 | 12.18.24
נשיא ארה"ב דונלד טראמפ
A normalization agreement would be best for Israel, but will Trump agree?
Opinion: Netanyahu's obsession to act against Iran and secure victories for his political career could blindside Trump as he enters office, where he could decide Israel's fate on a whim; "Anything can happen"
Orly Azoulay | 13:15 | 12.18.24
רג'פ טאיפ ארדואן
Erdogan's Turkey is the new Syria
Analysis: Syria’s new leadership is consulting with Turkey and cooperating closely with Ankara; This is making the Kurds feel increasingly threatened
Smadar Perry | 00:37 | 12.18.24
ביקור נשיא פרגוואי סנטיאגו פניה, טקס הפתיחה המחודשת של שגרירות פרגוואי בירושלים
If Netanyahu truly wants to reshape the Middle East, he needs a quiet home front
Opinion: Netanyahu faces historic choices: strike Iran’s nuclear program, pursue a costly hostage deal or focus on reshaping Israel’s democracy; with so many concerns converging at the same time, something has got to give
Nahum Barnea | 19:21 | 12.16.24
חילופי אש בין מנגנוני הביטחון למחבלים באיו"ש
Fears grow over 'Syria effect' spreading to Jordan, West Bank
Analysis: Shin Bet and military intelligence chiefs, still reeling from failures of October 7, visit neighboring kingdom amid growing concerns about regime's stability, with fears local groups may be inspired by Assad's ousting
Yossi Yehoshua | 11:09 | 12.16.24
PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat (R) and Syrian President Hafez Assad, Sept. 1, 1989 in Tripoli, Libya during ceremonies for the 20th anniversary of the Libyan revolution
For Palestinians, Syria is a closing door and an opening window
Analysis: The crimes attributed to the Assad regime against Syrians, Palestinians, and Lebanese make it very hard for anyone to shed a tear on a tyrant regime that controlled its people with steel and fire
Elias Zananiri/The Media Line | 20:05 | 12.15.24
עלי חמינאי, מנהיגה העליון של איראן, בנאום: "אין ספק שמה שהתרחש בסוריה תוכנן בחדר הפיקוד האמריקני והישראלי"
Tehran anxiously examining Assad's fall amid fears of 'Syrization'
Analysis: Iran intensely studying reasons behind Syrian leader's ouster amid fears of brewing revolution against Islamic regime; those looking for a sliver of hope for social and political reforms won't find it in Khamenei's rhetoric
Raz Zimmt | 12:12 | 12.15.24
ספרי התורה היו בכספת
Jewish communities see lines crossed in antisemitism worldwide
Opinion: Israel must understand its responsibility for Jewish brothers and sisters facing a new reality that impacts their lives daily and must stand by them with unwavering resolve
Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin | 09:41 | 12.14.24
כוחות צה"ל בגבול סוריה
Assad's fall presents dangers and opportunities for Israel
Opinion: The collapse of Syria's regime as Israel knew it means new threats from Iran and Turkey but can also lead to positive changes in the region
Efraim Sneh | 00:53 | 12.13.24
עלי חמינאי, מנהיגה העליון של איראן, בנאום: "אין ספק שמה שהתרחש בסוריה תוכנן בחדר הפיקוד האמריקני והישראלי"
After Gaza, Lebanon and Syria: Iran in the crosshairs
Opinion: Israel’s precision strikes on Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran highlight its strategy: defeat, not containment; to ensure stability, the fall of the mullah regime is imperative, demanding unwavering resolve to eliminate looming threats
Rami Simani | 09:21 | 12.12.24
מרכז המחקר בדמשק, שקשור לתוכנית הנשק הכימי של אסד, והושמד בתקיפה ישראלי
Pre-October 7 Israel would never have carried out massive strikes on Syria
Opinion: Israel’s decisive actions in Syria mark a pivotal shift in its security doctrine; By systematically dismantling enemy capabilities and leveraging decades of intelligence work, IDF ensures strategic threats never materialize, applying hard-learned lessons from past failures to safeguard the future 
Amihai Attali | 14:46 | 12.11.24
סוריה דמשק כיכר אומייד ילדה מניפה את דגל האופוזיציה הסורית
Jordanian leaders fear kingdom could be next to fall
Analysis: Concerns on unclear rebel government body in Syria and unrelenting  Iranian attempts to gain sway in the country lead Jordanian lawmakers to worry for their future ; fears include alliance with Jordanian Islamist groups 
Smadar Perry | 14:46 | 12.10.24
סוריה דמשק כיכר אומייד ילדה מניפה את דגל האופוזיציה הסורית
Syria after Assad: What’s next for a nation scarred by barbarism?
Opinion: The collapse of Assad’s regime ended over 50 years of dictatorship, marking a historic shift for Syria; yet, questions remain over the swift withdrawal of allies, the rise of Islamist figures and the nation’s uncertain path after years of devastation
Fahad Almasri | 08:31 | 12.10.24
הפגנה בעד ישראל בארה"ב
Next generation of Jewish leaders are warriors in a digital age
Opinion: These young Jews have proven themselves to be modern-day Lions of Judah, wielding their smartphones as effectively as swords in the battle for truth and justice
Rabbi Steven Burg | 21:17 | 12.09.24
בנימין נתניהו ישיבת ממשלה, בשאר אל אסד סוריה
Impact of Syria’s fall on Israeli economy
Analysis: The absence of clear political relations and intentions between Israel and Syria creates a security risk which directly harms the country's economy
Dr. Amit Serusi | 18:18 | 12.09.24
מהניג העליון של איראן עלי חמינאי פגישה עם בשאר אסד
The rise and fall of Iran's Shia Crescent
Opinion: While it is premature to dismiss Iran’s influence in the Middle East, the collapse of the Assad regime has placed its 'Axis of Resistance' in unprecedented jeopardy
Raz Zimmt | 12:16 | 12.09.24
דמשק סוריה
In Syria and everywhere, the status quo is finished. The West will have to react
Opinion: The fall of Assad’s regime shattered the regional status quo, exposing Western passivity; Israel’s strikes weakened Iran and Hezbollah but lack strategic depth; with Iran advancing its nuclear program, Israel must act decisively before threats escalate further
Dan Zamansky | 01:11 | 12.09.24
עיקרי ההחלטה של בית הדין הבינלאומי בהאג
Universal jurisdiction is a concept that should deeply concern us
Analysis: Palestinian lawfare against Israel intensifies, using universal jurisdiction to pursue cases in 30 countries; IDF leaders and soldiers face rising risks abroad; while former troops can still travel, heightened vigilance remains crucial
Gadi Ezra | 21:29 | 12.08.24
עינב צנגאוקר מגיעה לשער בגין אחרי פרסום סרטון אות החיים של מתן מהשבי
Not a businesswoman, not a politician, not a nice person: The power of a hostage's mother
Opinion: Einav Zangauker has reluctantly become an international symbol, but Matan's sign of life video reminds us she is a mother who will never abandon her son 
Chen Artzi Sror | 12:48 | 12.08.24
מורדים לוחמים בסוריה בעיר חומס
Fall of Assad regime continues collapse of the Iranian dream
Analysis: As situation unfolds in Syria, Israel must significantly strengthen its defenses on the Golan Heights border and focus on the disturbing scenario of terrorists taking over arsenal of weapons of mass destruction 
Yossi Yehoshua | 12:36 | 12.08.24
רכב משוריין של צבא סוריה עולה באש בחמה
Outcome of Syrian rebel offensive surprises the world
Analysis: Intelligence in the world and in Israel was completely surprised by the successes of the Syrian rebels, who overthrew the brutal regime; Israel's government considers its response 
Nadav Eyal | 10:14 | 12.08.24
Terrorism runs unchecked in Latin America, and the United States suffers
Opinion: As attention focuses on Middle East, Latin America faces rising Hezbollah-linked threats; funded by Iran and drug trafficking, Hezbollah's influence grows, but US counterterrorism efforts remain limited
Jennifer Teale | 23:44 | 12.07.24
מורדים בסוריה בעיר חמה שנכבשה במסגרת הקרבות נגד צבא אסד
Developments in Syria favor Israel, but the tide could turn on a dime
Commentary: Rebels near Israel’s border are local villagers with past ties to Israel, while Kurdish militias disrupt Iran’s arms route to Lebanon; with US curbing Erdoğan’s ambitions, Israel readies for potential threats, including jihadists nearing Golan border
Ron Ben-Yishai | 20:55 | 12.07.24
Pro Palestinian demonstrators in Berlin, last year
Germany begins to take necessary action on antisemitism
Analysis: Germany adopts new resolution to fight surging antisemitism, targeting far-right, left-wing and Islamist sources; with 95% rise in incidents in 2023, critics demand stronger measures to safeguard Jewish communities and ensure government accountability
Jennifer Teale | 13:08 | 12.07.24
מורדים בסוריה בעיר חמה שנכבשה במסגרת הקרבות נגד צבא אסד
Back to the 'Islamic winter'
Analysis: The ongoing geopolitical developments in Syria and across the region threaten Jordan's stability, a scenario for which Israel must prepare
Col. (res.) Dr. Ronen Itsik | 22:01 | 12.06.24
מוג'תבא אמאני, שגריר איראן בלבנון, הגיע למקום חיסולו של נסראללה בדאחייה
Iran eyes power in Lebanon as Hezbollah weakens
Opinion: Despite resistance from Lebanon’s leadership and widespread public disdain, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard remains intent on establishing security and intelligence foothold in politically fragile nation
Smadar Perry | 09:16 | 12.06.24
קרבות בין מורדים לצבא סוריה חלב
Fears of Syria's collapse: Israel's dilemmas and Erdoğan's interests
Commentary: Rebels advance south and east, posing threats to Israel: from missiles and possible chemical weapons falling into jihadist hands to Iranian entrenchment in Syria and Assad's potential collapse; yet Erdoğan, like Israel, has a stake in keeping Assad afloat
Ron Ben-Yishai | 01:00 | 12.06.24
אבו מאזן בטקס השבעה לקבינט ברמאללה
Abbas must cooperate in Gaza rule or risk isolation
Analysis: The PA chairman will have to decide whether to sign a presidential decree that will establish the committee and give up exclusive control or be cut off from EU funding  
Einav Halabi | 16:39 | 12.05.24
בנימין נתניהו, רונן בר, הרצי הלוי וישראל כ"ץ בביקור במסדרון נצרים שבעזה
Military pressure alone cannot bring an end to the war
Opinion: I have never claimed that the IDF is 'the most moral army in the world,' but I can confidently assert that its code of ethics in warfare is certainly on par with that of Western militaries.
Giora Eiland | 12:01 | 12.05.24
Israel's climate bill is a joke and not how you deal with the climate crisis
Opinion: The Israeli government continues to ignore the climate risks and the climate bill to be submitted to the Knesset for approval next week is nothing more than a PR stunt
Prof. Adi Wolfson | 12:41 | 12.04.24
Opinion
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