The Paradox of Israeli Deterrence

Israel ’s recent escalations have redefined the Middle East's deterrence dynamic, says Peter Bergen .

Israel 's war against Hezbollah threatens Iran 's ability to project power, he says.

Bergen : U.S. must work to restrain further Israeli action and stabilize the balance of power.

Israeli leaders are less willing to accept risk from Iranian proxies on Israel ’s perimeter, authors say.

Israel appears to be working to eliminate Hezbollah entirely as well as Hamas , they say.

Iran possessing nukes represents an existential threat to Israel 's security in a way terror groups never did.

Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump ’s administration must rethink its uncritical support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’s government, clarifying and restricting how and when that government can use American weapons and munitions. And it must diplomatically reassure the region’s other actors that the United States will be a moderating influence rather than an aggravating one. Without these changes, the potential for escalation in the Middle East will only grow..