President Trump has handed Iran significant concessions while receiving very little in return.

President Trump has handed Iran significant concessions while receiving very little in return.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with Iran’s negotiating intransigence, proved to be the leverage that forced his hand.

Israel was right to carry out its military operations against Iran. There should be no question about that. It must now continue to act within this new strategic reality.

The President of the United States is not Israel’s prime minister and operates according to different national interests. In this case, he made a significant mistake and surrendered the strategic advantage he possessed.

Israel must now adapt to the new reality. There is no way to sugarcoat it.

A friendly Republican administration remains important and valuable, and that relationship should not be taken lightly. At the same time, it is not a blank check that allows Israel to rely on American decisions without reservation.

Israel now has 60 days to exert every possible effort to influence the outcome of the negotiations, although success is far from guaranteed.

Most importantly, Israel must stand its ground on Lebanon. That battle has not yet been decided, and meaningful gains can still be achieved - even in the face of American pressure.

(Abu Ali)