Iran vs. the Islamic State: The Enemy of My Enemy is also My Enemy

Why have the Gulf states' massive investments in military power failed to prove themselves on the battlefield—and what are the implications?

This policy paper examines the severe decline in Israel’s international standing and emphasizes that international legitimacy is not merely a matter of image, but a crucial strategic asset. The study rejects the simplistic view that “the whole world is against us” and that Israel’s conduct therefore does not matter, proposing instead to distinguish between a hostile core, ideological critics, audiences that are not hostile to Israel but have grown distant from it, and supporters. The document calls for adopting a differentiated policy that combines countering hostile elements with taking accountability and rectifying Israeli conduct in specific areas, in order to preserve and restore Israel’s international standing.

Does the security concept that took shape informally after October 7 reflect a fundamental change in the identity of the state?