Raw hatred and soft power: Who came out ahead after the October 7 massacre? - opinion

An opinion piece assesses the strategic positions of Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Israel since October 7, 2023. It argues Iran is weaker militarily and economically, Hezbollah and Hamas are degraded, while Israel, despite heavy costs, has achieved military successes. The author warns of rising global antisemitism and suggests Israel's soft power with evangelical communities is its key asset.

In this opinion piece, Albert Veksler assesses who has come out ahead since the October 7, 2023 massacre. He argues that Iran is substantially worse off: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in February 2026 during Operation Roaring Lion, air defenses were destroyed, the nuclear program was set back twice, and the Axis of Resistance has been degraded. Hezbollah lost most of its senior leadership, including Hassan Nasrallah, and faces pressure to disarm. Hamas is devastated, with its leaders dead and Gaza leveled, though it still controls 46% of the strip. Israel, despite profound costs—1,152 military personnel killed and 6,424 wounded—achieved military successes and ended the hostage ordeal, with 168 of 251 hostages returned alive. The author warns of rising global antisemitism, citing ADL data that 46% of world adults harbor antisemitic attitudes, and suggests Israel's soft power with evangelical communities is its most strategic asset.