A Double War Against Resistance and Moderation

Dr: Theeb Qaralleh

Many countries around the world—along with segments of Arab societies, including some elites—choose to ignore the reality of the bloody wars Israel has waged for the past twenty months against Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria, portraying them solely as a war against the so-called “Axis of Resistance” and its affiliated forces. In reality, however, this interpretation represents only half the truth, as it applies merely to the military dimension of the conflict.

The other half of the bitter truth lies in the political war Israel is waging against the Arab “Axis of Moderation,” which seeks peace and rejects violence in all its forms.

Israel’s recent decision to prevent an Arab diplomatic delegation—comprising four foreign ministers from the Arab moderate camp, along with the Secretary-General of the Arab League—from visiting Ramallah to meet the President of the State of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, represents yet another chapter in Israel’s political confrontation with Arab moderates. The contours of this political battle can be discerned through several key developments:

First: The war of extermination and starvation that Israel is waging in Gaza Strip, aimed at forcing its population under the pressure of firepower toward the Egyptian border, undoubtedly targets Egypt and its national security. The apparent objective is to reach a moment when masses of Gazans fleeing death and hunger attempt to breach the Egyptian border, thereby creating a forced displacement reality on the ground.

Second The punitive measures and restrictions imposed by Israel on Palestinian citizens in the West Bank appear designed—once the Gaza file is concluded—to push Palestinians toward Jordan, the only geographically accessible destination available to them. Jordan has made clear that implementing such a scenario would amount to a declaration of war against it.

Third:Although the Gulf states share no direct geographical border with Israel, they have not escaped Israeli pressure. Israeli officials have suggested relocating Gaza’s population to Saudi Arabia, while also accusing Qatar of providing support and funding to Hamas.

Fourth: While Israel fights Hamas as part of the so-called Axis of Resistance, it simultaneously targets the Palestinian Authority, tightening political, security, and economic pressure on it in an effort to weaken it and strip away what remains of its legitimacy.

This leads to a fundamental question: Why is Israel effectively waging both a military and political war against all Arabs, whether they belong to the camp of moderation or resistance?

The answer, quite simply, is that Israel is an exclusionary occupying entity built upon distorted religious doctrines and historical grievances. It is a state that does not seek peace and is currently governed by a far-right majority spanning the government, opposition, and elements of the deep state. This leadership aims to exploit the present moment and the favorable regional and international environment to impose its dominance over the region and implement its expansionist plans without paying a price.

Director of the International Foresight Network