The Nagel Committee, established on the directive of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in January 2025, defined the Turkish threat as a new and significant danger that could emerge in Syria if the Syrian regime were to become, in practice, a Turkish proxy. Such a development,
For years, the debate over Hezbollah has been accompanied by a central question: Is it a Lebanese organization operating in the interests of the state and the Shiite community, or an Iranian branch that primarily serves Tehran’s regional strategy? The organization itself has cultivated deliberate
Are the forces of Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of Syria, planning to invade Lebanese territory to exact revenge on Hezbollah? This potential move is viewed either as retaliation for Hezbollah’s involvement in the Syrian Civil War or as part of a strategic deal orchestrated with
In recent days, there has been a noticeable escalation in the scope of Hezbollah’s attacks against northern Israel, including the use of drones, anti-tank, and rocket attacks. At the same time, the organization has issued evacuation notices to residents of Israel’s northern communities, using wording
The “Roaring Lion” war represents a further step toward reducing the range and intensity of Iranian threats against the State of Israel. Over recent years, Iran has developed a multidimensional threat architecture that can be divided into five primary components: the nuclear program; the missile
Against the backdrop of rising tensions between the United States and Iran, reflected in the buildup of U.S. military forces in the Middle East, al-Qaeda is calling for a jihadist war against the American presence in the region and for halting what it describes as
There are two central and plausible short-term scenarios on the Iranian front: A possible U.S. strike on Iran could lead to renewed domestic protests focused on regime change. In such a case, Iran could carry out retaliation against Israel and neighboring states in the Gulf.
Those who fail to organize and prepare in advance for a high-intensity, multi-front war will be left without an adequate response. This concern becomes especially salient amid escalating threats of a large-scale war with Iran and its proxies, raising a critical question: how prepared is
Introduction This paper argues that Hezbollah’s decision to join the renewed 2026 war with Israel is neither a simple act of “axis discipline” nor just an automatic extension of its traditional resistance role, but the product of a narrowing strategic corridor shaped by three forces:
Abstract This report analyzes Iran’s information warfare during the December 2025 – January 2026 protests and its parallel influence efforts targeting Israel and the West. Facing widespread economic unrest, the regime used physical repression and a coordinated narrative campaign, labeling demonstrators as agents of the
Since October 7th, influence warfare has become a central arena in the confrontation between the Axis of Resistance and Israel. Alongside military operations, Iranian proxies have intensified their efforts to manipulate information against Israel and the West. This demonstrates their recognition that the psychological battlespace
Originality was published in Sevilla University’s journal Araucaria. Abstract The article explores Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” a regional coalition which includes Syria, and the militant radical groups Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi pro-Iranian militias and Yemen’s Houthis, aimed at the annihilation of Israel and countering U.S./Western influence
Originally Published by RAND Corporation The U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites Sunday had a concrete strategic objective: thwart Iran’s ability to enrich nuclear material and potentially build nuclear weapons. It was intended to make the world a safer place. At the moment, however, the
Abstract Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Hezbollah has remained militarily passive, relying on rhetoric and symbolic gestures over direct engagement. This calculated restraint underscores the organization’s strategic vulnerabilities—domestic opposition, operational setbacks, and deep reliance on Iranian support. The central question now is
In light of the rapidly unfolding “Operation Rising Lion,” the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) has reached out to our experts and analysts to provide clarity on the evolving situation. These interviews aim to shed light on the broader context, underlying dynamics, security and political dimensions
Download FileDownload On Thursday, 12 JUNE 2025, Israel launched an operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military assets. In response, Iran initiated missile and drone attacks against Israel, though with limited success compared to the scale and precision of the Israeli offensive. In response, Iran
Ragonis Scholarship Final ThesisDownload Introduction: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” (Waxman, 2019). The famous words said by Neil Armstrong go down in history, but did we really understand what the giant leap would be? Fifty-two years later we can
The fall of the Assad regime within 12 days of the beginning of the rebel offensive, which came down from its stronghold in the Idlib region, is a dramatic, tectonic event, not only for Syria itself but for the entire Middle East, and to a
Abstract During 2020-2023, the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at Reichman University conducted comprehensive research examining the challenges of Israel’s multi-front warfare and the implications for Israel’s preparedness in terms of the home front, the frontlines, and various operational arenas. Each chapter of the study
Download Beyond the opportunity to hear from an always impressive lineup of speakers and to directly engage with leading analysts and government officials from all parts of the world, one of the privileges of attending the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) World Summits over the
Abstract This paper examines the intensifying threats posed by Iran’s expanding influence in Jordan, presenting significant security implications for both Israel and Jordan. Against the backdrop of Israel’s recent operations against Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, the study explores two primary dynamics shaping
Abstract This paper explores the evolving alliance between the Iranian regime and al-Qaeda, a relationship that has gained strength following the appointment of Sheikh Seif al-Adel as al-Qaeda’s leader after the assassination of Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri. The paper examines the implications of this alliance for
Abstract Since the October 7th Hamas attack and the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel faces a complex security landscape shaped by attacks from Iranian proxies across multiple theaters, including Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. Hezbollah joined the military campaign against Israel to divert its
Abstract The West Bank holds strategic importance for Israel, facing growing unrest due to the weakening Palestinian Authority (PA), economic decline, and incitement from militant groups. This situation has escalated tensions, motivating young Palestinians and PA security members to confront Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This
Published in Hebrew by the Israeli daily Israel Hayom The massacre of 12 Druze children and dozens of wounded in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights required a powerful response from Israel, following months of a war of attrition waged by Hezbollah against northern Israel,
Expert Q&A Abstract Since October 7, 2023, Hezbollah has engaged in a war of attrition against Israel on the northern front, aiming to divert Israeli forces from Gaza. Despite both sides’ stated reluctance for full-scale war, recent escalations have heightened tensions. This report delves into
Abstract This article examines the recent intrusion of Hamas on the international terrorist arena, following its barbaric attack on Israeli territory and Israeli citizens, and the ensuing war in Gaza. It addresses the question if the Hamas’s leaders decision to go global follows the pattern
Abstract This article examines the long-term efforts made by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to create revolutionary opposition to the rule of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, while exploiting the evolving relations between Iran and Israel as a blueprint for his proclamations. Khomeini’s anti-Israel policies had both anti-
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has actively sought to establish itself as a key player both in the Middle East and on the global stage. This ambition has been largely shaped by its antagonistic relations with the United States and Israel, along with critical
The Houthi rebels in Yemen, with Iran’s support, have intensified hostilities by targeting Israel with missiles and drones, signaling their alignment with Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Palestinian resistance groups. Since October 19, 2023, they have attacked Israel multiple times, with interceptions by the USS Carney,
This analysis focuses on the increased threats and calls for violence against Jewish and Israeli targets globally, particularly in the context of the campaign in Gaza and subsequent actions by Hamas and other jihadist groups. Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda have both issued calls for
On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist organization that aims to destroy Israel, launched a violent attack against Israel. This attack directed its members to target Israeli civilians, including women and children, resulting in devastating consequences: the death of 1,400 people, the kidnapping of
Regime change as currently being promoted by the government, poses a genuine threat to the Israeli CT ConOps (concepts of operation), which is considered esteemed, leading, and has a powerful standing among its allies around the globe. Given the continued intensification of the judicial overhaul
The Israeli-Lebanese maritime boundary agreement, sponsored and mediated by the US to resolve the longstanding conflict over the maritime border between the countries and the division of energy reserves, is a significant regional and international multidimensional achievement for the State of Israel. From a broad
During Operation Guardian of the Walls (May 2021) the Arab sector in Israel launched a wave of violence that was extremely wide and severe, especially in the mixed cities. It seems that its circumstances and characteristics require an updated assessment and regrouping. Even though it
Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah’s threats on Karish gas drilling rig and prevent the production and export of gas from Israel’s reservoirs if Lebanon’s demands regarding the latter’s marine border with Israel constitute a significant escalation in Hezbollah’s aggressive rhetoric and may lead to another miscalculation
