Yaakov Katz

As Israel faces a new phase of post-war recovery, the US is playing a more active role in overseeing the ceasefire and shaping its future. Is Israel’s self-reliance now a thing of the past?

An excerpt from the new book by Yaakov Katz and Amir Bohbot about the lead-up to the October 7 massacre.

This Lebanese model; where a weak government coexists with a dominant guerrilla force, could soon find its counterpart in Gaza.

America remains invested, at least for now, and continues to view Israel’s security as part of its own strategic interest. The question is whether Israel can learn to navigate that reality.

Israel can either lead or be led. It can shape the outcome of this war and the future of Gaza and of this conflict, or it can wait until everyone else decides for them.

The government cannot define the endgame, and the people cannot imagine closure without the hostages. That is why the world steps in; frustrated by the vacuum, it wants to define Israel’s future. 

Netanyahu's vision for the future is an Israel in a hunkered-down status against the world.

Did the strikes in Qatar move the country closer toward ending the war and bringing the hostages home, or did it push both goals further away?

As Israel approaches the end of the war, true victory hinges on securing the release of hostages and dismantling Hamas, not just military success on the battlefield.

“Bring them home” sounds like it is directed at the Israeli government when, really, the call should be directed at Hamas, which should “release” the hostages immediately.