Israel's Survival Strategy

A U.S. recognition of Israeli claims on land it captured in 1967 could open the door for other territorial disputes to be settled by force.

The oil and gas giant would only consider such an investment if it had confidence that Israeli-Arab ties have warmed sufficiently that it will not face Arab economic retaliation.

But no matter who wins the next election, Israel will no longer be able to rely on many of its tried-and-true methods of navigating regional threats, such as unquestioning U.S. support.

The forum highlighted attendees' divergent views on topics like Iran -- although it did provide a venue for the public display of growing Israeli-Gulf state ties.

A strong response by Tehran would prompt an even tougher Israeli counterstrike, and could cause a deadly escalation.

Within Israel, politics are pushing the prime minister closer to a hard-line approach. And in Gaza, Hamas may be turning to its rockets and missiles to make itself heard.

The Israel Defense Forces have launched Operation Northern Shield to destroy Hezbollah-built tunnels running beneath Israel's border with Lebanon, risking a potential escalation with the country's Iranian-backed northern neighbor.

After almost 8 years of war, Syria could soon witness a different kind of conflict with global implications: an escalation of hostilities that pits state against state.

The resignation of Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman over the truce adds to the mounting political pressure threatening to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

While Israel needs the investment, it remains wary of Beijing and close to Washington.