Israel's defense chief has drawn up a ruthless Gaza plan that reflects a hardening attitude among both the country's government and the USA. The idea is to squeeze the Palestinians into a small "humanitarian zone", while Israel annexes the rest. Lieutenant Colonel Anders Ekholm wonders if the proposals are realistic. It will take sickly many resources.
ConflictsNetanyahu gave the green light for a ceasefire in Lebanon on Tuesday. Now there is great pressure on Lebanon to build up its army, says Lieutenant Colonel Anders Ekholm. This will probably be played as a victory for both parties, he says.
ConflictsIsrael has carried out a number of smaller raids against Hezbollah on Lebanese territory and informed the USA about these, according to the USA's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Matthew Miller. The raids are taking place while the country prepares for a larger ground operation in Lebanon.
WorldIn a few months, Israel has knocked out large parts of Hamas' top leadership. But still, the terrorist group's perhaps most important leader is at large: Israel's enemy number one – Yahya Sinwar.
WorldThe Hamas leader's death in Iran appears to be Israel's way of fulfilling its promise of revenge, says Lieutenant Colonel Anders Ekholm. They made that promise already the day after October 7: you are "dead men walking", we will take you all down. But he does not believe that Ismail Haniya was Israel's most sought-after target.
WorldAfter the rocket attack that killed twelve children in the Golan Heights on Saturday, the risk of a large-scale war in the Middle East is once again acute. Experts are talking about the most serious situation since Hamas' attack on Israel last autumn – despite neither Israel nor Hezbollah really being believed to want a full-scale military conflict.
WorldBehind the scenes, Russia and the USA have crucial roles as the stakes are rapidly escalating between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The risk is very great that it will escalate, says Lieutenant Colonel Anders Ekholm at the Defence University. I don't think they will hold back for much longer.
ConflictsThat Israel's war cabinet is disappearing is ominous, both for the hostages in Gaza and for the war as a whole. The risk is now increasing that the conflict with Lebanon will erupt with full force. Then it will go badly, says Lieutenant Colonel Anders Ekholm at the Defence University.
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