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Why Israel Keeps Getting Dragged Into the Lebanese Mud By Winfield Myers ● Apr 24, 2026
Smart Brevity® count: 6 mins...1545 words
Jonathan Spyer writes that this year, Israel marks the 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War. He took part in that war as a reservist, in the eastern sector around al-Khiyam and Marjayoun. Each year on Remembrance Day, former and current members of the battalion in which he served gather at the graveside of one of their number who was killed in the fighting. Spyer uses the occasion to delve into the fact that, after 20 years, Israel is returning to the “Lebanese mud,” as the Hebrew phrase puts it, as Israel attempts to isolate its own population from the consequences of the failed Lebanese state. The more things change, he notes, the more they stay the same.
We also feature the work of Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi, Lazar Berman, Umud Shokri, Ali Mahmoud, Jose Lev Alvarez Gomez, and Amine Ayoub.
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Inside the Vortex: Why Israel Keeps Getting Dragged Into the Lebanese Mud
By: Jonathan Spyer
Lebanon has been a vortex for Israel, drawing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) into its complex dynamics over decades.
Why it matters: This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War, a conflict that continues to shape Israeli military strategy.
The Lebanese quagmire: Lebanon’s fragmented governance and the presence of Hezbollah create enduring security threats.
Regional echoes: Lebanon’s collapse reflects a broader trend of instability across the Middle East.
Similar patterns are seen in Yemen, Libya, and Syria, with militia rule and state erosion becoming widespread.
To read the full article, click here.
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The Druze Village of Hadr in Qunaytra Province and the Israeli Presence: Interview with a Local
By: Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi
In an interview conducted on Thursday by the author, a resident of Hadr shares insights on the complexities of Israeli-Druze relations amidst attempts of settlement.
Israeli settler incident: Video shows Israeli settlers entering an area near Hadr, sparking controversy over territorial boundaries.
Local perspectives on aid: Israeli aid distribution in Qunaytra and Deraa raises mixed feelings among the Druze.
Youth and Israeli influence: Some are concerned over the Israeli influence on Hadr’s youth, who sometimes raise the Israeli flag.
To read the full article, click here.
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Destruction of Jesus Statue Should Serve as Moral Wake-up Call for IDF, Israel
By: Lazar Berman
On Sunday, an image of an Israeli soldier operating in Lebanon spread rapidly across social media.
Image controversy: It showed an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier destroying a statue of Jesus in the Christian town of Debel in southern Lebanon; it has gone viral, raising significant backlash.
Wider implications: The incident feeds into narratives on both sides of the U.S. political spectrum, affecting perceptions of Israel globally.
Systemic issues: The IDF faces criticism for not adequately addressing soldiers‘ misconduct online.
To read the full article at the Times of Israel, click here.
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How Will the Gulf Arab Economies Change Post-War?
By: Umud Shokri
After Israel and the U.S. attacked Iran in February, the Gulf Cooperation Council states face intensified threats from Iranian missile and drone strikes on vital infrastructure.
Why it matters: The Gulf is accelerating its push towards solar energy as a safeguard against geopolitical risks.
Strategic shifts: The conflict highlights vulnerabilities in AI and digital infrastructure in the Gulf.
Future outlook: High oil prices could provide revenue for regional development post-conflict.
To read the full article, click here.
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Gulf Arab States Must Help Unwind Iranian Influence in Iraq
By: Ali Mahmoud
On April 18, 2026, Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani visited Baghdad to ensure Iraq’s new prime minister aligns with Tehran’s interests.
Why it matters: Despite ongoing conflicts and pressures, Iran maintains significant influence over Iraq’s political landscape.
Regional dynamics: The Gulf Arabs and the U.S. face challenges in Iraq, where militias operate with Iranian backing.
A call to action: Gulf states have an opportunity to alter Iraq’s trajectory with the current U.S. administration’s support.
To read the full article, click here.
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Tehran’s Drones Have Transformed Africa Into a New Front
By: Jose Lev Alvarez Gomez
Tehran now incorporates Africa into its anti-Israel strategy, using the continent as a logistics hub to bypass Western sanctions.
Why it matters: Iran is expanding its influence in Africa, delivering drones to conflict zones and strengthening ties with local regimes.
Strategic moves: Iranian Quds Force utilizes Sudanese ports to move Mohajer-6 drones, impacting conflicts across Africa.
Israel’s response: Jerusalem must dismantle Iran’s network through intelligence-sharing and counter-drone technology.
To read the full article, click here.
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Cairo’s Moroccan Lifeline: A Drowning Egypt Grasps for Regional Relevance
By: Amine Ayoub
What Cairo is selling as a “historic new page” with Rabat is, in truth, a symptom of a regime in decline. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and his Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch signed a sweeping package of agreements. Egyptian state media hailed it as a “qualitative leap.”
Why it matters: The agreements are driven by urgency rather than a coherent strategy, reflecting Cairo’s panic-driven diplomacy.
Power dynamics: Morocco enters the relationship from a position of strength, having diversified its economy and attracted global investment.
The bigger picture: Cairo’s strategy mirrors past attempts to mask decline with grand announcements and limited follow-through.
To read the full article, click here.
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Algeria’s Managed Democracy: When Elections Change Nothing
By: Amine Ayoub
Algeria’s announcement of parliamentary elections for July 2, 2026, is a textbook example of authoritarian regimes simulating democracy under pressure.
Why it matters: Coerced participation by opposition parties under Algeria’s new Party Law is not democratic legitimacy; it’s a simulation.
Strategic posturing: Algiers presents itself as a stable anchor to regional partners, using elections as a facade of legitimacy.
Western policy implications: American and European prioritization of stability over accountability allows Algeria to exploit diplomatic preferences.
To read the full article, click here.
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We hope you enjoyed this issue of the MEF Dispatch. The Middle East Forum provides a steady stream of analyses and updates at https://www.meforum.org/. Please share your thoughts on this issue in the comments.
Thank you,
Winfield Myers
Managing Editor, Middle East Forum
Director, Campus Watch
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