War is bad, but good things happen when evil is defeated. We periodically bring you updates on some of those, as Israel’s defensive war continues.
SAY HELLO TO THE ERA OF LASER DEFENSE—ISRAEL PREPARES TO DEPLOY IRON BEAM INTERCEPTION SYSTEM. Israel is ready to become one of the first nations in the world to deploy an Iron Beam Laser Interception System, a new technology that will use laser beams to intercept and destroy various aerial threats such as rockets, mortar shells, drones and cruise missiles, and is a cost-effective addition to the Iron Dome. The Israeli Defense Ministry announced a deal worth around $500 million for the acquisition of this new system, which was developed by Israeli defense contractors and startups [read full report].
A HEZBOLLAH INVASION LAUNCHPAD BUSTED. Imagine a secret underground launchpad that would have given terrorists the ability to quietly do in northern Israel what Hamas did to southern Israel. Israeli journalist Emanuel Fabian, Times of Israel’s military correspondent, published a series of stunning and disturbing photos of a huge underground base close to the Lebanon-Israel border designed to help Hezbollah terrorists infiltrate Israeli villages and towns and kill civilians. The underground complex is 2 kilometers long and 40 meters deep. A X/Twitter user asked Fabian if the place was smelly and humid? “Not very humid,” Fabian replied, adding that the place has a “bit of an earthy smell. Like being in a cave, but with some ventilation.” [see the photos here and read the full story, with a couple of photos below.]
These images are from an underground complex that Hezbollah built on Israel’s border to act as a launchpad for a future Hamas-like invasion of towns and villages in northern Israel. It was recently discovered by the Israeli army. A group of journalists toured the facility and posted some shockingly breathtaking images from inside the underground base.
“How Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt Quietly Back Israel on Iran.” This is a compelling analysis by Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief Zvika Klein that delves into the subtle yet significant support Israel has received from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE following its weekend strike on Iran. Klein describes this support as a “three-way subtext” hidden in official statements, reflecting how Israel’s actions align with the strategic interests of its Arab partners. It’s an insightful read that highlights the growing regional alignment against shared threats. [Click here to see Klein’s X post and here for the full article, where the illustration, below, comes from]
THE U.S. DEFENDED ISRAEL AT THE U.N. Security Council (UNSC) emergency meeting yesterday summoned on Iran’s request to seek a condemnation of Israel. During the session, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield delivered remarks addressing Iran’s recent actions. What she said is significant:
— Condemnation Of Iran’s Missile Attacks: Amb. Thomas-Greenfield denounced Iran’s missile strikes on Israel, describing them as “unprovoked acts of aggression” that threaten regional stability.
— Assertion Of Israel’s Right To Self-Defense: She affirmed that Israel has the right to defend itself under international law, emphasizing that the U.S. supports Israel’s military response to protect its citizens and maintain regional peace.
— Highlighting Iran’s Support For Terrorist Groups: The Ambassador criticized Iran’s backing of militant organizations, stating that “Iran’s support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas has only escalated tensions and undermined prospects for peace.” [Read her remarks here; and watch the full session here]
ISRAELI AMBASSADOR SPOKE AT UNSC YESTERDAY. Amb. Danny Danon told the United Nations Security Council that Israel “acted as any nation would, to defend its citizens, secure its borders and neutralize any immediate threat,” and that “The Israeli airforce directed precise strikes on Iranian military assets deep within Iran’s territory. We struck missile manufacturing facilities, responsible for creating the very weapons that were launched against our civilians” [Read the story and watch the full session here including Amb. Danon’s part]
STRATEGIC MILITARY GAINS. Israel has significantly degraded the military capabilities of both Hamas and Hezbollah, neutralizing high-ranking leaders and dismantling weapon manufacturing sites, which directly impacts Iran’s influence in the region.
- On Degrading Hezbollah’s Threat: see our brief report: Israel Cripples Hezbollah’s Bank, Takes Out Half The Branches, And Prepares To Expose And Block Iran’s Funding
- On Degrading Hamas capabilities: check out our quick take: Israeli Action Helps Launch the Day-After-Hamas in Gaza
Regional Alliance Building. Israel has been strengthening partnerships with Arab nations. The cooperation signals regional alignment against Iranian-backed threats, fostering broader acceptance of Israeli interests, even if this does not translate into immediate and public statements from Arab governments, though the mainstream Arab media increasingly reflects this promising development.
Economic Resilience. Despite conflict, Israel has maintained economic stability with ongoing foreign investments, especially from Western allies, reinforcing its economic security and regional influence amid escalating tensions.
Increased Security Measures. Israel’s intelligence operations have successfully targeted Iranian and Hezbollah communication networks, preemptively securing against further coordinated attacks.
— See our detailed take on the progress Israel has made in this regard: PRESS RELEASE: Israel’s Military Response to Iran
