Zelensky should learn from Netanyahu’s mistakes

Small powers have little chance of prevailing in war without suppor from great powers.

In September 1938 Czechoslovakia had one of the “most formidable military forces in Central Europe.” It could have resisted the Nazis for some time. But the Czechs did not have British or French support; indeed, they were excluded from the British and French negotiations with Hitler. So when the Munich agreement codified both countries’ acceptance of German dictator Adolf Hitler’s demands, Czech president Eduard Benes essentially had to capitulate. Within a year, Hitler had seized all of Czechoslovakia.

Five months ago, when Israel and the U.S. launched a major attack against Iran at the same time, Israel was already at war with Hezbollah, Iran’s leading proxy. Washington and Tehran have now negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding,whose first article calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon, effectively restraining Jerusalem from retaliating against Hezbollah missile attacks.

In addition, the memo provides for the U.S. to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, to permit Iran to sell its oil immediately and gain access to its frozen assets, thereby generating revenue that Tehran can divert to Hezbollah and its other proxies.

Israel has not been part of the negotiation. Without American support — indeed in the face of American pressure — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have no option but to abide by the terms of the memorandum or else risk the loss of both Washington’s military assistance and its support in the United Nations Security Council.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky may soon find himself caught in a similar vise as Benes and........

© The Hill