Winning the war is not enough to permanently secure Israel's survival and security - editorial

An editorial published in The Jerusalem Post on July 20, 2026, argues that while Israel has made significant military progress in recent conflicts, securing long-term peace and stability requires more than just winning battles. The piece highlights ongoing military actions against Iranian targets, Israel’s engagement on multiple fronts, and the continued dismantling of Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The editorial notes that the United States has maintained its campaign against Iranian military assets, and Israel has demonstrated effectiveness in striking enemy positions. These efforts have degraded Iran’s military capabilities, inflicted major losses on Hezbollah, and crippled Hamas’s infrastructure, which had facilitated the October 7 attacks. However, the editorial warns that such military successes alone do not guarantee enduring security. The author emphasizes that history shows many nations have won wars on the battlefield only to lose them strategically due to poor planning or complacency. Israel, having faced similar challenges in the past, must avoid repeating this pattern. The editorial calls for a clear definition of victory, one that includes the safe return of all hostages from Gaza, the secure return of displaced Israelis, and the elimination of cross-border threats. It raises concerns about the potential for Iran to rebuild its missile program within a few years, which could negate the current military operations' impact. Similarly, if Hezbollah regains strength in southern Lebanon under weakly enforced international agreements, communities near the border, such as Kiryat Shmona, Metula, and Shlomi, could face renewed dangers. The same risk applies to Gaza, where even a weakened Hamas might eventually resurge as a militant force. The editorial underscores the need for enforceable arrangements in Lebanon, pointing to the failure of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was meant to restrict Hezbollah’s activities but instead allowed the group to develop extensive military capabilities. To prevent a recurrence, any new agreement must include robust enforcement mechanisms and ensure Israel can prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its forces. Regarding Iran, the editorial acknowledges the country’s vulnerability but cautions that deterrence is never absolute. Iranian leadership has historically accepted setbacks when they perceive time on their side. Therefore, the focus must shift beyond punitive measures toward preventing Iran from restoring its missile, drone, and nuclear programs. This requires sustained Israeli military preparedness, intelligence collaboration, economic pressure, rigorous verification processes, and clear repercussions for any attempt at rearmament. The editorial stresses the importance of close coordination with the United States, Israel’s most critical ally. While the U.S. plays a vital role, no Israeli government can rely solely on external support for national defense. The country must maintain the autonomy and capacity to act decisively when necessary. The editorial also highlights the necessity of a clear resolution for Gaza, ensuring that groups like Hamas, or any future organizations dedicated to Israel’s destruction, are unable to regain power. The editorial concludes with a call for immediate action in Jerusalem and Washington to address these pressing issues, emphasizing that the lessons of past conflicts must inform present decisions to ensure Israel’s long-term security.