Assessment of Israel’s ‘Operation Days of Repentance’
Peloni: I would like to draw attention to the valuable conversation included below this post as well as that included at the bottom of Israel Bowed Again, just as I would like to thank the contributing views which have been shared on this topic. In any war, the line between victory and defeat is both very fine as it is also very subtle. Notably, we are quite fortunate to have a man with the perseverance, spirit and vigor which are embodied in PM Netanyahu, as well as his keen political and strategic perspectives. His steady judgement informed reflection will be the determining factor of bringing this war to a successful conclusion, just as it has served to bring us thus far in savaging the savages which are now being pressed further than ever from the gates of Israel. Hence, while the comments demonstrate a variety of views on what the limit of Israel’s recent strike on Iran might portend, I think we are all agreed that an honest appreciation of the successes of that strike as well as the limits of that strike in combination with the opportunity costs of each should be carefully weighed and reflected upon. This formed the basis having posted the series of commentaries on this topic, even as there still remains some debate as to how far Israel should have gone in this strike amid the lifting fog of war which is revealing the many great successes which were achieved due to the daring spirit and capabilities of the IDF as guided by Bibi’s directives.
**Mark Zell’s related tweet is included below Wurmser’s article.
David Wurmser | October 27, 2024
An Israeli Air Force fighter jet taking off for a mission. Credit: IAF.
Based on very initial knowledge and limited information, I would conclude the following results of Israel’s three-wave Oct. 26 strike on Iran, which were partly strategic, but mostly tactical:
- Israel finally broke the aura of Iranian invincibility. It dispelled the 30-year obsession in the West that a strike would have apocalyptic consequences, and established precedent for hitting Iran directly. This is no small thing, and lifts an analytical and policy straight-jacket that paralyzed Israel and others for decades. Iran has been exposed as weak; its bluffs and bluster called. The emperor has only old, threadbare underwear. Not quite nude, but close.
- Israel started normalizing striking Iran in the same way that, over the years, Israeli strikes on Syria have become routine and barely noticed.
- Israel set itself up well for a strike that truly devastates the Iranian regime in the unlikely event that it responds.
- Israel showed itself to be a tactical genius and a military power rivaled by none in competence—a true pride of the Jewish people.