IDF’s regional standing may only be recouped if its militarily displaces Hezbollah from southern Lebanon, according to former advisor to US Vice President Dick Cheney and chief arms negotiator John Bolton, David Wurmser.
The devastating blow inflicted by Hamas on Israel over the weekend, has placed Israel's position in the Middle East in a precarious state, he explained to the Jerusalem Post in an interview on Monday.
Wurmser cautioned that the absence of a decisive and unequivocal victory might have a profound impact on Israel's standing and reputation within the region.
Considering peace with Israel
“People around the world, including the Arab countries that are considering peace with Israel, are worrying that Israel might not be the country they thought,” Wurmser contended.
He emphasized that Arab and African nations considering strengthening their ties with Israel may hesitate if Israel is perceived as vulnerable or lacking in strength. Conversely, if Israel were to secure a strategic victory of significant geopolitical importance, it could potentially garner support not only from Saudi Arabia but also from other Muslim-majority countries.
According to Wurmser, achieving this objective would necessitate the reoccupation of the Gaza Strip. However, he stressed that this alone would not suffice; Israel would also need to address the Iranian threat by confronting Hezbollah.
“I am not saying to go to war with the North, but that Israel should not be afraid of a war in the north,” Wemser said. “Destruction of Hezbollah would be a strategic blow to Tehran on a geopolitical level that would shock Tehran and shake the foundations of the regime.
“It would also signal to the Iranian people that the regime is weak,” Wursmer continued. “Populations with regimes like Iran’s have an excellent smell for weakness and they would take to the streets and give the Iranian regime a run for its money.”
Wurmser said that Israel has to walk away from this tragedy with the Iranian regime worried about its survival.
He concluded that the chances of US intervention for Israel are zero - certainly with the current administration but likely with any administration. And even if America would intervene, “Israel must do this on its own.”
He said, “It is imperative that Israel not ask for help. Israel has to win this war on its own.”