Events in the Middle East over the past year and a half following the 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas have sparked two contrasting perspectives. One viewpoint suggests that the Israeli response shattered international laws and geographical boundaries, leading to actions like the occupation of buffer zones and airstrikes across multiple countries. Alternatively, some argue that these events are part of a historical pattern, exposing a fragile peace reliant on various factors that are now destabilized by Israel’s unilateral actions and redefined regional dynamics.

The delicate peace in the region also depended on the Gulf powers as mediators, with their recent rapprochement with Israel driven by pragmatic stability needs. However, these countries now find themselves caught in a complex web of alliances and risks amid escalating tensions. The suppression of Palestinian rights, a cornerstone of the status quo, has now been disrupted, revealing Israel’s intentions and raising concerns of a new Nakba.

Israel’s actions have stretched the limits of justification, relying on the narrative of defending Jewish safety and strategic partnerships with allies. However, the disproportionate responses and political motives of the Israeli government, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have strained trust with key allies and drawn global scrutiny.

The ongoing conflicts, including strikes on Iran, highlight Israel’s evolving strategies and the shifting dynamics of regional power plays. As Israel navigates its domestic politics and security objectives, the broader Middle East is increasingly shaped by a country pursuing its agenda without regard for the complexities and security needs of other nations in the region.