For several days now, a question has been circulating in Israel: are we alone, or are we simply regaining control over our own decisions?

The agreement between Washington and Tehran, presented as a way out of war, has caused deep unease in Jerusalem. Officially, the United States remains Israel’s central ally. Militarily, diplomatically, technologically, this alliance remains vital. But politically, something has cracked. The interim agreement between the United States and Iran provides for de-escalation, the resumption of nuclear talks, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and an easing of sanctions, while Israel is concerned to see Iran regain strategic breathing room without a clear dismantling of its regional capabilities.

This is where the Israeli paradox begins.

Israel may have won part of the military sequence against Iran, but it could lose politically in the aftermath. Military victory is not enough if the diplomatic settlement gives the adversary time to rebuild, reinsert itself, save its networks, and turn mere........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)