The atmosphere is shifting around Israel, and that's making Israel a bit uncomfortable. Situations in both Egypt and Lebanon seem cause for some concern.
According to a recent JTA article by Leslie Susser, "With Lebanon in turmoil and a Hezbollah-backed prime minister poised to take power in Beirut, Israel is concerned at the prospect of a tectonic shift in the regional balance."
Although sraeli officials do not expect Lebanon’s political turmoil to trigger a new round of fighting on the Israel-Lebanon border at the moment, they are concerned that Hezbollah’s ascent means the potential spread and strengthening of Iranian influence in the region. The so-called Shiite Crescent stretches from Tehran to Shiite-ruled Iraq, through Shiite-friendly Syria and into Lebanon, where Hezbollah, Iran’s Shiite proxy, is now in power. This extension of Iran’s influence poses a serious threat to Israel from both the east and the north.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Israelis are watching carefully the mass protests rocking Egypt, the partner in Israel’s oldest and most important Middle East relationship."While the recent upheavals have not been about Israel, they could have a potentially momentous impact on its future. Yet Israel, often a major player, now finds itself in the less familiar, and somewhat unnerving, role of spectator," wrote Isabel Kershner.
To read more about Israel and Lebanon, the entire JTA story can be found here.
To read more about Egypt, the entire New York Times story can be found here.
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