Israel Prepares for Major War, Saudi Arabia Seeks De-escalation
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Israeli analyst Eadie Cohen suggests Israel is preparing for a major war with Iran, potentially driven by a U.S. decision, while strategic researcher Mahmoud El-Afandy disputes the feasibility of such a conflict without ground forces and full U.S. backing. The region faces a critical phase as Washington reportedly pressures Israel to de-escalate, fearing a prolonged war that could destabilize energy and maritime security.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli analyst Eadie Cohen believes a U.S. decision is driving preparations for a major war with Iran.
- Dr. Mahmoud El-Afandy argues airstrikes alone cannot topple Iran without a ground invasion.
- Cohen's view includes leveraging regional discontent and internal Iranian dissent for an anti-Iran coalition.
- El-Afandy highlights Iran's fortified underground military infrastructure and drone capabilities.
- Washington is reportedly pressuring Israel to avoid a wider conflict due to regional stability fears.
- Cohen suggests decisive military actions might follow the U.S. Congressional elections.
Middle Eastern military and political developments are accelerating amid conflicting reports about a potential Israeli strike against Iran and increasing leaks regarding the U.S. stance. Washington is reportedly imposing strict controls to prevent a full-scale regional war. A debate on i24NEWS Arabic featured Israeli analyst Dr. Eadie Cohen and Moscow-based strategic researcher Dr. Mahmoud El-Afandy discussing the readiness of parties for a "major war" and its geopolitical consequences.
Cohen's faction believes the current confrontation has moved beyond tactical maneuvers, asserting that a U.S. decision to resume large-scale strikes against Iran is likely, especially after the U.S. Congressional elections. This perspective anticipates intensified Israeli air force sorties and drills to test Iranian air defenses, leveraging regional discontent and attacks by groups like the Houthis to form an anti-Iran coalition. They also bet on internal dissent within Iran to pressure the regime alongside external military pressure.
Conversely, El-Afandy argued that talk of toppling the Iranian regime through airstrikes lacks military realism. He cited past decades' experiences showing air power and assassinations do not overthrow regimes or change military doctrines without extensive ground invasions. He noted the absence of indicators for a major war, such as ground troop mobilization or large field hospitals. El-Afandy also pointed to Iran's hardened defenses, with most missile infrastructure underground, and the introduction of new drone technology that diminishes conventional forces' advantages.
El-Afandy emphasized that Israel cannot initiate a comprehensive war against Iran without direct and full U.S. backing. Amidst the push for direct military action and international fears of military exhaustion and conflict expansion, the region faces a critical phase. Press estimates suggest Washington is exerting significant pressure to contain any new Israeli military moves, fearing a prolonged war that could threaten energy security, maritime navigation, and overall regional stability.
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