In the classic British satire “The Mouse That Roared,” a tiny, fictional nation declares war on the United States, not with the hope of winning, but in order to lose and receive generous post-war aid. Instead, through a series of comic mishaps, the tiny Duchy of Grand Fenwick finds itself the accidental victor and a nuclear superpower. Though humorous and absurd, the film underscores a provocative truth: even small states can shift global dynamics with strategic intent, timing, and clarity of purpose.
Israel, often perceived as a small nation surrounded by volatility, is no comic character – but it is time to embrace a bold reality: Israel can, and should, begin to act not merely as a state defending its survival, but as a proactive regional power shaping the future of the Middle East.
From Military Might to Strategic Leadership
Israel’s recent military performance has underscored its unmatched capabilities in the region. The decimation of Hizbullah’s infrastructure, the crippling of Hamas’s command structures in Gaza, and the calculated response to Iranian provocations, culminating in significant operational successes, all point to an overwhelming tactical edge.
Iran, long the most aggressive challenger for regional dominance, has found its proxies weakened, its economy strangled, and its influence diminishing amid internal unrest and international scrutiny. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria, aided indirectly by Iranian overreach, further dismantles Tehran’s axis of influence.
Yet one existential threat remains unaddressed: Iran’s nuclear program. It is no longer enough to delay or deter. Israel must lead a coalition – diplomatic or military – to either dismantle Iran’s nuclear capability by agreement, by force, or both. The ambiguity of Iran’s ambitions and the international community’s hesitance make this a red line that cannot be crossed.
A New Turkish Front
At the same time, Turkey has shifted from quiet participant to active power broker, particularly in Syria. The deployment of Turkish forces in northern Syria, combined with Erdogan’s neo-Ottoman vision, poses a new threat. Having Turkish troops on Israel’s northern flank, amid a fragile and power-vacuumed Syria, introduces a volatile wildcard. It complicates operations, increases risk of conflict escalation, and may embolden rival Islamist factions under Turkish protection. This cannot be ignored.
Who Leads the Region?
Turkey seeks influence through a combination of Ottoman nostalgia and modern economics, positioning itself as a bridge between East and West. Qatar wields its wealth and media (most notably Al-Jazeera) with deft soft power. Iran, despite its setbacks, continues to export ideology and instability.
Meanwhile, global actors like China and Russia are deepening their Middle East footprint. China’s Belt and Road initiative quietly ties ports, roads, and digital networks from the Gulf to the Levant, while Russia, having suffered a setback after the Assad regime collapsed, is now regaining power and ties with the new government in Syria.
In this contested landscape, Israel stands out as a stable, innovative, militarily superior, and increasingly diplomatically agile nation. Why then, do we often think of ourselves as the periphery rather than the core?
Beyond Survival: The Power of Identity
Israel’s strategic self-image has for decades been shaped by the trauma of survival – a lone democracy under siege. But that era is shifting. As the proverb goes, “He who thinks he is beaten, is.” Perceiving ourselves as merely reactive or defensive limits our diplomatic reach and stifles regional partnerships.
A country that acts like a leader attracts others. Countries prefer to affiliate with a strong, stable power that leads with purpose and confidence. By projecting strength, not just militarily but diplomatically and economically, Israel can become a pole of attraction in the Middle East – for states, investments, and influence.
“Al-jār qabl al-dār” – “The Neighbor before the House”
In Arab culture, this proverb stresses the importance of good neighbors over even the best homes. For Israel to lead regionally, strategic normalization with moderate Sunni states is essential. The Abraham Accords were just the beginning. Deepening relationships with nations like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Morocco, and even re-engaging Jordan and Egypt with renewed respect and incentives is vital.
These partnerships are not merely for security. They should evolve into economic, technological, educational, and cultural alliances. A pan-Middle Eastern clean energy pact, water innovation consortium, or tech talent pipeline could anchor a new era of interdependence, with Israel at the helm.
Diffusing Rivals: Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt
The rise of regional rivals is not necessarily a zero-sum game. Turkey can be counterbalanced by forming deeper security and infrastructure partnerships with Greece, Cyprus, and the Balkans. Qatar, for all its soft power, has limited hard power – Israel can neutralize its influence by offering more compelling regional narratives and broadcasting directly to Arab audiences.
Egypt remains a wildcard. As it teeters between instability and nationalism, Israel must offer quiet strategic support – economic cooperation, water-tech sharing, and joint counterterrorism initiatives – to ensure Cairo stays close, not cold.
Treaties and Trust: The American Anchor
The United States remains a cornerstone ally. But as Washington rebalances its global focus, Israel must ensure the continuity of this relationship while also preparing for strategic autonomy. Formalizing long-term defense treaties with the United States, tied not only to military support but to tech and intelligence collaboration, could secure American buy-in for Israel’s regional vision.
Meanwhile, outreach to Europe, India, and select African nations should complement this strategy, showing that Israel is not just a Middle Eastern actor, but a Eurasian nexus of innovation and resilience.
Managing the Dragon and the Bear
What about China and Russia? Neither can be ignored.
China is an economic juggernaut. Engagement here must be pragmatic and cautious: welcome investment in non-sensitive sectors (like infrastructure or clean energy), but guard core technologies and cyber realms. Transparency and coordination with the United States on these engagements will prevent diplomatic backlashes.
Russia’s regional footprint is largely military and opportunistic. While we must maintain deconfliction protocols, Israel should not romanticize relations with Moscow. Instead, we should quietly invest in post-Russia regional models, especially in energy, where Israel and allied Eastern Mediterranean players Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, and even Qatar can reshape Europe’s gas map.
Iran: Contain, Isolate, Dismantle
Iran remains the primary long-term challenge. Regime change should be policy, but regime containment must be first. This includes:
- Bolstering internal opposition through digital and humanitarian channels.
- Continuing cyber deterrence.
- Disrupting regional supply lines and proxy funding.
- Keeping military options credible and visible.
- And most critically, dismantling its nuclear capacity. Diplomacy may stall it, but force must remain on the table.
Engagement from a position of strength is not weakness. If Tehran ever moderates, Israel should be ready to pivot with diplomatic creativity – as long as security guarantees remain ironclad.
Becoming a Regional Power: Steps to Take
- National Strategy: Form a strategic council on regional influence, composed of defense, diplomacy, economic, and tech leaders.
- Public Diplomacy: Launch an initiative to rebrand Israel regionally, with Arabic content, youth engagement, and collaborative platforms.
- Infrastructure Diplomacy: Lead regional mega-projects in water, food security, and AI.
- Military Doctrine Update: Shift from reactive defense to a proactive-plus doctrine with strategic depth.
- Educational Exchange: Establish scholarship programs for Arab and African students in Israeli universities.
The Benefits of Thinking Bigger
- Security: Stable neighbors and joint frameworks reduce existential threats.
- Economy: Regional markets and logistics corridors can turbocharge growth.
- Prestige: Israel becomes a shaper, not a responder.
- Innovation: Diverse partnerships drive tech and research.
- Diaspora Pride: Global Jewish communities see Israel not as besieged, but as a beacon.
The Obstacles
Of course, this is not a utopia.
- Some Sunni regimes are fragile or duplicitous.
- Domestic political fragmentation may block bold vision.
- Iran and its proxies will continue asymmetrical warfare.
- Great power rivalries can squeeze policy space.
- Regional rivals like Turkey and Qatar will try to outmaneuver diplomatically.
But as the Arab saying goes, “man jadda wajada” – “He who strives, succeeds.”
And maybe, just maybe, it’s time we stop waiting for the world to hand us legitimacy. Like the Duchy of Grand Fenwick in that delightfully absurd film, we too might discover that acting with audacity creates the reality we seek. Israel has roared. Now it must lead.
