Iran is working toward the next security crisis - the IDF is trying not to be dragged in | Avi Ashkenazi
A commentary article by Avi Ashkenazi in Maariv analyzes Iran's strategy to create a regional security crisis against the backdrop of the elections in Israel. A military source is quoted as saying that Iran is behind the turmoil and tension. The article describes the activities of the IDF and Shin Bet as "mowing the grass" that does not remove roots, allowing Iran to operate on multiple fronts: Yemen, the Strait of Hormuz, and encouraging attacks in the West Bank. The IDF reports an increase in warnings of attacks but notes success in thwarting them, including the arrest of a terrorist from Jenin. Israel's goal is to avoid being dragged into a crisis while maintaining deterrence and holding the elections.
A commentary article by Avi Ashkenazi in Maariv analyzes Iran's current strategy against Israel, against the backdrop of the approaching elections. The working assumption of the security establishment, as presented in the article, is that Iran will try to disrupt the election process by creating security tensions on various fronts. A military source is quoted as saying that Iran is behind the turmoil and the creation of regional tension, and that the fact that Israel is required to maintain prolonged readiness serves the Iranian interest. The article describes current Israeli activity as "mowing the grass" - treating symptoms without removing the roots. This situation, according to the analysis, allows Iran to operate across the board: from the Houthis in Yemen, through the Strait of Hormuz, to encouraging attacks in Judea and Samaria. The IDF reports an increase in the number of warnings of attacks in the West Bank in recent weeks, but notes that the activity of the Shin Bet and the Judea and Samaria and 98th Divisions prevents the realization of these warnings. As an example, the arrest of a terrorist from Jenin by the Duvdevan unit is cited. Israel's stated goal is not to be dragged into a comprehensive crisis, but to create deterrence and allow the continuation of Israeli democracy and the holding of elections without Iranian sabotage. The article does not include Iranian or Hezbollah voices, and relies mainly on Israeli military sources.