Published on October 7, 2024, 12:52 am

A year has passed since the horrific terrorist strike by Hamas fighters on Israel, claiming the lives of around 1,200 citizens and hostage-taking hundreds more including American nationals. Marking the deadliest assault in Israeli history, it prompted an earnest counter-campaign by Israeli forces targeting Hamas terrorists and subsequently, Hezbollah combatants sited to their north. This resulted in a significant degradation of Iran’s proxies, marking a substantial tactical win for Israel.

David Friedman, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, shares his perspective on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East during a discussion centered on the anniversary of October 7’s dreadful Hamas onslaught. He cites that despite retaliatory threats from Iran, Israel’s offensive maneuvers targeting Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon were warranted.

According to Friedman, “Without this strategic move, there wouldn’t have been any way to establish tranquillity in the North.” Elaborating further on Isreal’s efforts against Hezbollah he says, “In order to really create a meaningful buffer between Israel and Lebanon — ensuring comfort and safety for people residing near northern border — it is necessary to clean out a good stretch of southern Lebanon.”

When asked about consequential repercussions from Iran’s aggressive retaliation towards Israel via ballistic missile strikes and what actual impact United States might exert against Tehran as cautioned previously by White House; David indicated previous inconsistencies with punitive actions pertaining to three and half years of malign activities in Middle Easty by Iran.

Reflecting on changing economic trajectories such as Tehran’s GDP growing from less than $200 billion before his exit from office to over $450 billion now due in part from oil sales enabled by eased sanctions is absolutely unconscionable according him.

Israel today faces considerable anti-Israel sentiment largely driven by contemptible deeds of anti-Semitism incited domestically within diverse places like London or Paris primarily due wrongheaded immigration policies implemented over past decade. It is anticipated that these dilemmas will obviously exacerbate dramatically post-October 7, making it even more challenging for Israel on international stage than it was before.

How does this altered scenario change our understanding of status quo in Middle East? According to David Friedman, Israel’s enemies such as America are not going negotiate peace deals simply because they loathe us. On the positive side however, sustainable relationships forged via Abraham Accords have remained intact providing much needed clarity around geopolitical roadmap.

To summarize, one can tell that from a Christian worldview perspective against the backdrop of real and trusted news breaking events spanning past year since fateful Hamas attack on October 7, situation has gravely challenged Israel while simultaneously reinforcing its internal strengths.