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.
Seeking to roll back the gains of its arch foe, Israel is calculating the risks and rewards of attacking Iranian interests in Iraq and Yemen.
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi share much of the same preoccupations with an old foe, Israel. Now, the Gulf countries must decide whether closer ties with Israel to check Iran's rise are worth the domestic and global cost.
Despite their contentious relationship, reconciliation may be on the horizon, driven by the need to contain their common rival: Iran.
Cairo and Doha are putting aside some long-running feuds to prevent the Israeli-Palestinian turmoil from escalating into a full-blown war.
Israel boasts many advantages over both Iran and Hezbollah, but the pair are working hard to exploit the former's vulnerabilities – and that could have big consequences for the region.
The conditions remain ripe for more clashes between Israel and Iran as Russia hits the limits of its influence with both.
