Under Netanyahu's leadership, Israel has imposed a new and volatile state of affairs in the region, which I call “open skies.” This shift is among the most dangerous outcomes of the military campaigns, or call them wars, Israel has launched since October 7, 2023.
Israeli fighter jets and drones have roamed the skies freely and confidently throughout: from the Gaza war to the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the direct exchanges between Israel and Iran during that conflict, to the Israeli operations in Yemen in retaliation to Houthi missile attacks, and finally the twelve-day Israeli war on Iran.
Israeli warplanes and drones can target whomever they want, whenever they want, with the Jewish state deterred by neither international law nor borders or agreements.
We saw this in Gaza, where Israel continues to wage its open-ended war at the time of writing. It has been doing the same in Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement. Israel did the same in Syria before and after Bashar al-Assad fled.
It did the same in Yemen and Iran, though one could argue that this is normal because Israel and Iran are in a state of war. However, Israeli aircraft also violated Iraqi airspace to strike Iran.
Israel did the same in the new Syria after Assad's escape. Nothing justified its assault: Syria is the one suffering from foreign interference; the world is not suffering from Syria’s actions. Just a few days ago, Axios reported that the American administration would green-light an Israeli campaign against Iran again if the latter tries to develop its nuclear program further.
Accordingly, the "open skies" policy, which allows Israel to operate without oversight, accountability, or the constraints of international law, poses a serious threat to travel, regional stability, and peace. Indeed, it is as if Israel has been appointed the region's airborne policeman.
The open skies are fueling chaos and war and undermining efforts to reach negotiated solutions to defuse the region’s crises. It also hinders any real guarantee that these wars and crises will come to an end.
Who can guarantee that Israel would stop eliminating individuals or leaders it deems hostile with drones, as it has done relentlessly in Lebanon, if a genuine agreement is reached in Gaza?
Who can guarantee that Israel and Iran will not fight another war at a time when Israel has been allowed to operate freely in the latter's skies, as we have seen since October 7? And who can guarantee that Israel won’t do the same in other Arab countries?
It is true that Iran must pursue negotiations and seek genuine, practical solutions regarding the future of its nuclear program.
The international community must deter the Houthis, and Hamas must salvage whatever can still be saved. Hezbollah must hand over its remaining weapons, even its guns, to the Lebanese state.
Militias in Iraq must also be dealt with. Who, however, can ensure that Israel will stop behaving in such a wanton manner? Will limits be imposed on its attacks in these "open skies,” which are a real threat to the entire region and jeopardize all chances for peace and stability?
