Israel's Survival Strategy

The current bout of fighting could spark the largest military exchange between Gaza and Israel since 2014.

Mounting nationalist sentiment will press Israeli leaders to extend more control over Palestinian territory, even if it means jeopardizing the diplomatic relationships critical to Israel's peace and prosperity.

If Israeli forces were responsible, it would fit into a pattern of a more robust and increasingly expansive effort by Israel against Iran and its allies.

The countries' air defenses are ill-equipped to stop Israeli strikes on their soil. Improving their capabilities, however, might open a whole new can of worms.

The incumbent prime minister needs a half-dozen seats for a parliamentary majority. Finding them will be a struggle and will require deep compromises.

Benjamin Netanyahu has made lofty promises to turn out the nationalist vote. Should he win another term, fulfilling them could have long-lasting consequences for Israel.

Incidents in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria suggest Israel has decided to broaden its offensive against Iranian interests in the region despite the risk of a violent backlash.

A series of mysterious explosions at Iranian-linked sites in Iraq have raised suspicion that Israel is bringing its anti-Iran campaign to the country. If true, what does that mean for the wider Middle East?

Now that the stage is set for September's national elections, the country's major parties look to size up potential coalition partners.