Fears of a long attrition.. Israel and America seek to resolve the confrontation with Iran through the 'oil weapon' and regional alliances

The direct military confrontation between Iran on the one hand, and Israel and the United States on the other, entered its second week amidst an unprecedented escalation targeting vital facilities. Tel Aviv and Washington are seeking to achieve a strategic breakthrough that will quickly decide the battle, fearing a slide into a long-term war of attrition that could drain the military and economic resources of both sides.

The current strategy involves intensifying strikes against Iranian oil facilities to undermine the regime's financial resilience, in conjunction with widespread displacement operations in Lebanese border towns. These moves come amidst a shared desire between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to achieve a swift victory that will fundamentally end the Iranian threat.

Despite the painful blows Tehran has received, including the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and prominent military commanders in the first strike, signs of internal cracks have not appeared as clearly as intelligence circles had hoped. Iran is currently struggling to confront the 'hell' targeting its capabilities, amidst warnings of missile responses that could ignite the entire region uncontrollably.

Inside Israel, opinion polls show widespread support for the war, reaching 79%, but dissenting voices have begun to rise, warning of the cost of this adventure. Yair Golan, head of the 'Democrats' party, warns that Netanyahu may be driven by sectarian and personal motives in prolonging this war, which could put Israel's national security at grave risk.

For his part, Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch called for continued military pressure on all fronts, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, even if it requires a large ground campaign. Kisch believes that retreating at this stage would give Israel's adversaries an opportunity to regroup and launch more ferocious attacks in the future.

On the analytical front, Reserve General Michael Milstein warned against indulging in 'illusions' of reshaping the Middle East anew through military force alone. Milstein stressed that the brilliant intelligence successes achieved in the early days of the war must be translated into a realistic strategic path, warning against the 'fantasy' of immediate normalization with the region's countries.

In a related context, political analyst Shimon Sheffer pointed out that history proves the failure of American attempts to change regimes by force, citing historical examples that ended in disasters and chaos. Sheffer expressed concern that this adventure might end with the control of more extremist parties if the Iranian state collapses without a ready and stable political alternative.

Economic estimates indicate that Israel has incurred heavy losses amounting to approximately 9.4 billion shekels weekly since the outbreak of the war on February 28. The United States is also spending nearly a billion dollars daily to cover the costs of its military operations and protect its interests in the region, which could put political pressure on the Trump administration in the future.

On the ground, sources reported that Israeli military pressures also aim to push Gulf states to engage directly in the conflict against Tehran. Reports speak of the possibility of Saudi Arabia joining the confrontation if Iran continues to target its facilities, especially after cracks were observed in the Iranian decision-making structure following the recent attacks.

In parallel with the regional war, the West Bank is witnessing a dangerous escalation in settler attacks, which have increased by 25%. These attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of two Palestinian brothers in the town of Qaryut, in addition to forced displacement operations targeting Bedouin communities in the Jordan Valley under the cover of the raging war.

US President Donald Trump affirmed in his recent statements that he seeks 'complete surrender' and not just a political deal with Tehran, threatening to expand the target bank to include vital state joints. However, Trump backed down from the idea of militarily involving the Kurds in the confrontation, which sources attributed to Turkish pressure and fears of complicating the regional scene.

Observers warn that the continuation of the war could lead to Israel losing popular support in the United States, as forecasts indicate growing opposition to military aid. Analyst Ben-Dror Yemini believes that any military victory will be worthless if it ultimately leads to international isolation and a long-term existential threat to the Hebrew state.

Amidst these complexities, the question remains about the ability of the Israeli home front to withstand the continuous missile barrages that force millions to remain in shelters. Analysts criticize the insufficient preparation of the home front during Netanyahu's long years in power, which makes Israeli society vulnerable to immense psychological and economic pressures.

In conclusion, the region appears to be at a historical crossroads, where the political ambitions of leaders intertwine with the harsh realities of the military field. While air raids continue with thousands of tons of explosives daily, the possibilities of sliding into comprehensive chaos remain, unless a strategic way out is found to end the escalating cycle of violence.

Brilliant intelligence and military gains are not enough; they must be translated into strategic action away from illusions.