Context:

Israel faces a critical juncture where military operations alone cannot secure a peaceful future, highlighting the need for statesmanship and diplomacy. The persistent conflicts with Iran and in Gaza serve as reminders that only through diplomatic efforts can lasting resolutions be achieved, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Military victories without clear political goals have led to strategic isolation, weakening alliances, and delaying normalization efforts with Arab nations. Reviving negotiations towards a two-state solution could undermine extremist narratives and empower regional ties, fostering peace and stability. A concerted international effort, including regional coalitions, is essential to advance security, diplomatic relations, and eventually Palestinian statehood, restoring Israel's standing as a democratic and respected global entity.

Dive Deeper:

• The Israeli strategist Yehoshafat Harkabi highlighted the difference between military and statesmanship approaches, with the latter engaging political entities rather than viewing them solely as targets. This viewpoint underscores the current lack of a diplomatic approach in Israel's leadership.

• As hostilities with Iran subside, Israel remains entrenched in conflict with Gaza, illustrating the need for diplomatic solutions to end wars permanently and address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for a more promising future.

• Despite military achievements, Israel and the U.S. cannot dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities or change its regime through force alone, emphasizing the necessity for a diplomatic path to resolution.

• The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict destabilizes the region, threatening Israel's national security and fueling extremism, as it fails to offer hope to Palestinians and weakens regional alliances.

• A credible political process towards a 'two states for two peoples' solution could diminish Hamas's ideological power and enable Arab governments to strengthen ties with Israel without fear of domestic repercussions.

• Recent signals from Palestinian leadership indicate a willingness to resume stalled negotiations, presenting an opportunity to rebuild trust and political dialogue, supported by international and regional coalitions.

• The international community, particularly the U.S., must lead diplomatic efforts, involving regional partners like Saudi Arabia and Egyptian Gulf states, to counterbalance Iran and lay the groundwork for Palestinian statehood, fostering regional peace and stability.