As Israel prepares to launch a ground offensive in Gaza, there is a real risk that the war could escalate into a wider conflagration. Efforts to contain the conflict will test key relationships across the region.

The legal and ethical challenges of operating in densely populated areas are going to be a tragic constant of 21st century warfare, with no easy solutions.

As Deputy Director of ELNET UK, the London office of the European Leadership Network – which aims to strengthen multilateral relations between European countries and Israel – this is an article I never wanted to write. But, as hard as it is to talk about, the Hamas crimes in Southern Israel need examining not just for their barbarity, but also for their impact on Israel’s domestic politics and military posture. The events of the last several days are paradigm-shifting.

The surprise attack conducted by Hamas on 7 October, and the subsequent retaliatory actions from a traumatised Israel, will inevitably lead to bloodshed and much diplomatic activity in the Middle East in the coming months, says Dr Tobias Borck, Senior Research Fellow for Middle East Security.

In a previous article, the authors discussed the challenges of balancing the requirements for decision and endurance on the modern battlefield. This article articulates pathways forward in a future operating environment dominated by stalemates and threats to national homelands.

This article examines the points of divergence between two major schools of thought within the Israel Defense Forces regarding how best to defend the state against evolving threats. Though specific to Israel, the debate has ramifications for European militaries as they confront a fires-centric Russian army that will attempt to operate from behind layers of anti-access capabilities including missiles, drones and UAVs.

Nothing will be the same after the weekend’s carnage in Israel. The Palestinian question is back on the agenda, and with a vengeance. So will be Israel’s response.

Jonathan Eyal interviews Senior Associate Fellow, H A Hellyer (HH), about the potential of Saudi-Israeli normalisation.

While the Middle East has seen some major developments recently on the diplomatic front, the ‘shadow war’ between Israel and Iran has continued to intensify. The Israeli government needs to take account of the changing strategic situation and recalibrate accordingly.