Netanyahu refuses to withdraw the IDF from its positions in southern Lebanon. He made it clear to the negotiators with Iran that whatever is decided in those talks will not bind Israel or prevent it from remaining in Lebanon and continuing its fight against Hezbollah.

The time has come to draw the line - and, if necessary, to say no even to your closest and most trusted ally. The clash of interests is now in full swing.

While one side is looking for deal ceremonies and favorable optics, the other is fighting for its very survival.

The words of Balaam concerning the nation of Israel have rarely rung truer:

“For from the top of the rocks I see him,
And from the hills I behold him;
There! A people dwelling alone,
Not reckoning itself among the nations.”

(Numbers 23:9, NKJV)