Iran

A Strategic Alliance Central to Regional Stability

When Turkey barred Israel from a joint military exercise earlier this October, there was a great deal of speculation about the seriousness of a rift between the two allies. Although the strategic relations between the two regional superpowers is critical to both nations it also transcends the bilateral benefits that Turkey and Israel individually derive from it, as their alliance is fundamental to the region's balance of power and political stability.

Hezbollah Report on the IDF Presence on the Lebanese Border; The Hezbollah-Iran Relationship

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintains a large presence on the Lebanese border. This includes watch posts, fences, radar stations (both land and air) and the use of numerous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Unfortunately for Israel, Hezbollah has a very good idea of the extent and capabilities of the IDF. Ronen Bergman in today’s Yedioth Ahronoth has an important article detailing Hezbollah penetration and observation of IDF activities and presence along the border. Bergman notes:

A Possible US-Russian Arrangement and Implications for the Middle East

INSS Insight No. 139, November 12, 2009

We have recently been witness to a new US initiative launched by the Obama administration for dialogue with Russia that affects both the bilateral and global levels. The American proposal, which generated several top level meetings, including with presidents and foreign ministers, was apparently submitted to the Russian side as a comprehensive “package deal.” If it materializes, this arrangement will yield a positive change in relations between Russia and the West and stands to have considerable implications for the international system, with an emphasis on the Middle East.

According to the previous policy, which was driven by superpower aspirations, Russia aimed to induce a confrontation in the international arena on three levels:

The Taking of the Francop

At midnight on November 4^th, some 100 miles off the coast of Israel, a team of Israeli commandoes and military engineers boarded the Antiguan flagged Francop freighter. Missile boats surrounded the ship, airplanes hovered above and the Israeli army was on alert. Upon boarding the ship, the Polish captain was cooperative, enabling the Israelis to peacefully inspect the ship. Searching the vessel the commandos and engineers found a cache of 320 tons of weapons, including mortars, Katyushas, rockets and bullets.

Hamas Rocket Test; Hezbollah Arms Shipment Seized

In a series of military related events in Gaza and the Mediterranean Sea, it is apparent that Hamas and Hezbollah are stockpiling and testing weapons systems. On Tuesday, Israel’s head of military intelligence, Gen. Amos Yadlin, revealed that Hamas, under the cover of stormy weather, recently tested a rocket capable of firing 37 miles. This test means that Hamas now has the means to be able to strike Tel-Aviv and its surroundings.

Report of Israel-Iran secret meeting

According to the Israel Atomic Energy Commision Spokesperson Yael Doron, Israeli and Iranian representatives participated in a nuclear non-proliferation conference in Egypt this past September. Iran has denied that the meeting took place; however Egypt's foreign ministry confirmed the report.

Ha'aretz reports: