Ruth Wasserman Lande: The issue at hand is the ceasefire agreement. It is not a peace treaty but a de facto agreement with a designated terrorist organization, Hezbollah. This has led to significant skepticism, both among the Israeli public and the mayors of northern cities, who have faced evacuations due to the ongoing threat. The concern is whether Hezbollah will truly adhere to the ceasefire agreement.
Furthermore, according to the agreement, the Lebanese Army is expected to deploy in southern Lebanon gradually over the next 60 days. However, there is deep skepticism about its ability—or willingness—to confront Hezbollah or prevent future attacks on Israel. Many doubt that the mechanisms outlined in the agreement will be implemented effectively or with urgency.
For now, the Israeli government is focused on returning the hostages from Gaza and concentrating military efforts on that front. However, the larger issue remains the overarching threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, which leads the radical Islamist movement. Iran's regime operates with an expansionist and radical ideology, aiming to impose Sharia-based governance worldwide. Israel views this as a "mega-threat" requiring international attention.
Iran has expanded its influence by destabilizing countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen—breaking them down economically, militarily, and socially before asserting control. This ideology is not limited to Israel or the Jewish people; it is a global threat. Iran supports Hezbollah as its Shia arm in Lebanon and Hamas as its Sunni radical Islamist counterpart in Gaza and the West Bank. Both are fueled by radicalism, often supported by Qatar and Turkey under President Erdoğan's leadership.
Iran's actions threaten regional and global stability, as well as Israel's security. Addressing this expansionist threat is critical to ensuring stability and countering the radical Islamist agenda.
