Author: Ron Ben-Yishai

Analysis: The missile that hit Ben Gurion Airport was a victory for the Houths and showed once again that our interception systems are not foolproof; Although the Americans are severely damaging Houthi capabilities, they are still able to launch missiles; An Israeli operation in Yemen would require complex coordination with Washington and could complicate matters…

Analysis: Talks with Beirut may lead to IDF withdrawal and border adjustments, raising security concerns; with Iranian proxy’s position weakened and U.S. backing strong, Jerusalem weighs diplomacy, security guarantees and regional stability Northern Israel’s municipal leaders are deeply skeptical about the latest border negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, and it’s easy to see why. The…

Commentary: Netanyahu’s US trip marks key moment in war, shaping next phase of hostage deal and regional dynamics; as talks unfold, questions loom over deal’s stability and Trump’s push for mass relocation of Gazans The first phase of the Swords of Iron War was the recovery stage, which began on October 7, 2023, and lasted about…

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 The factory was established by the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center (CERS) using Iranian expertise and manufacturing equipment. Among its…

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 No one in Israel’s defense establishment harbors illusions that Thursday’s Air Force strikes in Yemen will deter the…

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 These incidents might expose a critical vulnerability in the IDF’s air defense system protecting Israel’s civilian and military home front. The military’s Iron Beam laser interception system is…

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 The Sunni jihadist rebel offensive, coupled with the Syrian regime army’s apparent helplessness, has triggered a chain reaction among…

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 The rapid southward advance of Sunni jihadist rebels and the capture of the city of…

Analysis: The offensive launched with the aid of Turkey on Assad and his Shiite militias is likely a result of the cease-fire deal in Lebanon and leaves Damascus without Hezbollah, Iran and the Russian help it previously enjoyed  The surprise attack by Sunni rebels in Aleppo is likely strongly connected to the cease-fire between Israel…

Analysis: Military intelligence must identify even minor violations early, providing the IDF with actionable evidence as the Iran-backed proxy seeks to rebuild its capabilities The rebuilding of villages in South Lebanon close to the border with Israel, will begin soon after the cease-fire being negotiated, will come into effect should the talks succeed. The Shiite…