KUALA LUMPUR - The ongoing conflict escalation and lack of restraint within Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet could severely hamper any potential hostage negotiations and Gaza ceasefire talks, says Dr Dan Steinbock, a globally recognised strategist on multipolar geopolitics.
"If the conflict expands beyond current war zones and spills over into Iran, we could witness even greater devastation. As in past hostilities, Israel’s retaliation seems to be exploiting the US election season, using the Republican and Democratic campaigns against each other.
"This troubling outcome stems from the disastrous policy direction the Biden administration adopted after the events of Oct 7, 2023,” Dr Steinbock said, in reference to the heightened tensions.
Dr Steinbock, the founder of the global consultancy Difference Group Ltd, which advises governments, companies, and organisations across the West and Global South, shared his views in response to Bernama’s query on Iran’s recent retaliation on Israel and its potential geopolitical impact.
He noted that a proportionate response from Israel could demonstrate strength without causing extensive economic and human costs. However, a disproportionate escalation would target not only Iranian military infrastructure but could also aim for regime destabilisation.
"If the objective is regime change, the strikes would likely include Iranian nuclear sites and critical military infrastructure. In that scenario, Iran would be compelled to escalate further, pushing the region into unpredictable territory with global reverberations,” he warned.
Tensions have escalated sharply following Iran’s missile barrage into Israel on Oct 1, which came in retaliation for the assassination of senior Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iranian officials. In response, Israel has vowed to strike back, further raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.
Today (Oct 7) is the first anniversary since Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel and kidnapped several citizens, intensifying the already fragile situation in the region. More than 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since then. - BERNAMA