‘Israel at its peak power in the Middle East and it’s downhill from here’
Al Jazeera
March 4, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Israel is currently at its peak power in the Middle East, but experts warn that this dominance may soon begin to wane. Shaiel Ben-Ephraim of Atlas Global Strategies highlights how the U.S. public’s reaction to potential conflicts between Israel and Iran could shape the future of American support for Israel, with significant implications for Israel’s regional influence. As tensions rise in the Middle East, the shifting sands of international relations and domestic politics are likely to play a critical role in determining Israel’s trajectory.
The relationship between the U.S. and Israel has long been a cornerstone of Middle Eastern stability, but public opinion in the U.S. is increasingly divided on issues like military intervention and economic aid to Israel. Ben-Ephraim suggests that if American support for Israel begins to erode, it could lead to a power vacuum in the region, potentially destabilizing alliances and spurring new conflicts. This shift could also impact global politics, as Israel’s role as a key U.S. ally has far-reaching consequences.
The current geopolitical landscape is marked by shifting alliances and rising tensions. The expansion of the Abraham Accords, which have brought Israel closer to Arab nations like UAE and Saudi Arabia, has solidified its regional influence. However, ongoing disputes with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon threaten to undermine this stability. Meanwhile, internal factors such as political polarization in Israel and growing skepticism among U.S. voters about endless military aid could further complicate the relationship.
As Israel’s power reaches its zenith, the focus now turns to how it will manage its decline. The potential for conflict with Iran looms large, while domestic politics in both Israel and the U.S. could accelerate or mitigate this shift. For readers interested in global affairs, understanding these dynamics is crucial, as they may shape the future of Middle Eastern stability and U.S. foreign policy.
In an increasingly uncertain world, the trajectory of Israel’s power holds significant implications for regional and international relations. Whether it will continue to maintain its dominant position or face a gradual decline remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher for global security and diplomacy.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/4/2026