The year 2024 ends in turmoil and uncertainty in our region and internationally. It was marked by a permanent war on several fronts and against the Islamist terrorist galaxy led by Iran. The Middle East remains unstable and continues to fuel more than 70% of global terrorism.
For more than a decade we have been witnessing a showdown with the ayatollahs of Iran. Despite the deep socio-economic crisis of their country, they glorify their warlike and Machiavellian intentions to extend their hegemony and strengthen the Shiite satellites.
During the 1930s the enemy of the Western democracies was targeted and very specific. The free world fought first against fascism and Nazism and after the Victory and during the Cold War, against the expansion of Soviet communism. The struggle was focused against a regime and an ideology within clear parameters and precise borders.
Today, the threats are multiple and varied and the fight against the Axis of Evil is all-out. It focuses on Sunni and Shiite Islamic terrorism that has no limits or borders, because Allah is Great and He alone will dictate the world agenda. This confrontation is beyond the Arab-Israeli conflict, it is fought between civilizations and its reason for being is above all religious. We have seen this during the Christian and Jewish holidays also in Europe and America.
However, despite the fog and the threats, and unlike in the past, we see that Israel is no longer the number one enemy of the Arab world. After the terrible massacre of October 7, the IDF, its intelligence services and the Mossad are regaining their operational power, deterrence and credibility. From now on, the IDF controls the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, southern Lebanon and the Syrian Mount Hermon.
The supremacy of the Israeli air force is total, it flies without difficulty over: Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad, Tehran and Sanaa in Yemen, 2000 km from our borders. The special units of Tsahal operate in all enemy territories and succeed in thwarting every potential threat.
The recent spectacular operation against an underground missile manufacturing facility in Syria proves audacity and heroism. The IDF is once again the strongest military power in the region.
However, the fighting is not over yet and therefore a withdrawal of the Israeli army cannot be done without solid guarantees. Hezbollah is violating the truce, Hamas is still launching rockets and the Houthis in Yemen are launching ballistic missiles.
The new master of Syria, Abu Mohammed al Julani, plays the moderate but in reality remains an Islamist. And yet, despite his jihadist past, French and German ministers are making the road to Damascus. Only one month after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, they rush to meet this former bloodthirsty terrorist, and dare to congratulate him for having brought down the old regime, while Turkey still has hegemonic ambitions, it threatens minorities and oppresses the Kurds. As for Iran, the ayatollahs continue to finance Hezbollah, they have not given up intervening in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, and they are getting closer to their first atomic bomb.
The whole region could therefore tip towards the worst. Can Biden's America and Macron's France trust a provisional head of state, not democratically elected by all components of the Syrian people? How can jihadists be rehabilitated?
In this context, it is clear that Joe Biden's foreign policy was a failure. Despite good intentions, he failed to impose his authority in global conflicts. We hope that the installation of Donald Trump in the White House will finally be able to change the global geopolitical situation.
With Donald Trump, the diplomatic language in international relations will probably be different from that of his predecessor. Will he, during his second term, continue the Abraham Accords and strengthen the role of influence of the United States in our region through Saudi normalization with Israel? Will he be indifferent to the future of Syria? To the hegemonic intentions of Erdogan's Turkey? How will he act towards Iran? Will he serve as an intermediary in the solution of the Palestinian problem? Will he be able to free all the hostages held in Gaza? There are many questions, multiple and complex are the challenges to be met.
Of course, Trump's pro-Israeli speeches and warm words comfort us; so far, he has not disappointed the Israelis. However, let us emphasize that Donald Trump is unpredictable and seeks to negotiate economic deals that will primarily benefit American interests.
In the face of the new geopolitical situation that has significantly strengthened the Israeli position, there are also many opportunities. It is therefore necessary to take bold decisions and collaborate closely and on all levels with the new American administration, while safeguarding our security and strategic interests. Certainly, Israel is in a good position to reshape the region, but it is isolated in the diplomatic arena and in international organizations.
So President Trump's support is quite unique for the way forward.
Finally, all the uncertainties also concern the future of Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition. The Israeli people need a respite, to find calm, absolute security and serenity. The government has the duty to take up the challenges and seize all the opportunities, lead this country towards a haven of peace, give back to this people confidence, courage and hope. It absolutely deserves recognition and happiness. It is fed up with wars and useless internal disputes.
The year 2025 is therefore crucial for our future and for the entire Middle East.
