Seth J. Frantzman
2025 could see a wave of optimism spread across the Middle East
The regime falling in Syria could usher in a new era of cooperation in the region
Israel and the US know that only sustained bombing will stamp out the Houthis’ threat
The Houthis now pose as the proverbial ‘last man standing’ in the Iranian axis
Syria’s new rulers need to show Israel and the rest of the region that it will not be a threat
Nature abhors a vacuum and Syria is now a power vacuum. Let us hope it is filled with something positive
Are Israel and Hamas about to reach a deal?
The imminent arrival of President Trump has changed the dynamics
If we want peace, Unrwa and Unifil must both be completely reformed
The UN needs to focus on preventing Hamas and Hezbollah rule. Only then can civilians live in peace in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon.
Israel must press ahead and finish off either Hamas or Hezbollah – for peace
Israel has eliminated the leaders of both groups, but they have vowed to carry on the war
Trump will not restrain Israel: the clock is now ticking for Iran and its proxies
The terrorists’ window of opportunity will close when Trump is inaugurated
These precision strikes have damaged Iran – but will they act as a deterrent?
Almost certainly it will keep trying to target Israel with proxies
Killing of Sinwar is huge achievement but no magic wand
The death of the Hamas leader is no guarantee that the war will end
The Russia-Iran axis is transforming the nature of Middle East danger
Russia’s siding with Iran will make it harder for peace to be achieved in Lebanon, or for a ceasefire to be achieved on the multiple fronts that Israel is facing
Israel and its Western allies should now strike back against Iran
When Iranians see that their regime is a paper tiger they will be emboldened
Hamas did get Hezbollah involved – but not as it hoped
The October 7 atrocities were meant to unleash a massive war against Israel. Instead, Israel is dismantling Hezbollah
International donors are complicit in Hamas’ presence in Gaza – and key to its demise
To separate Hamas from local people in Gaza, donor countries should mandate that any NGO or UN organisation working in Gaza must monitor and report on Hamas and other groups’ presence in institutions that receive funding.
Is this a turning point for the West Bank?
The IDF acted last week to stem terrorism, but then three policemen were killed
Iran cannot be allowed to make this state of alert the new normal
Iran is trying to force Israel, the US, UK and other countries to be on alert every time the regime desires to gain attention
Having let Hezbollah attack, can Israel put the toothpaste back into the tube?
The drumbeat of war seems to be becoming unstoppable
©2025 The Jewish Chronicle