"Israel will end war in 12 months" with peace deals and victory,  Minister says

At the JNS International Policy Summit held on Monday at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Jerusalem, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, delivered a bold prediction about the nation’s ongoing conflicts. Addressing a room of policymakers and journalists, Dermer asserted, “In 12 months, the war on seven fronts will be over, and Israel will have won.”

He emphasized that victory is the cornerstone for advancing peace in the region, stating, “I think you will see many peace agreements that either have been forged or will be forged in the coming years, but the key to that is victory. In the Middle East, when you win, when you’re strong, that’s what attracts others.” His remarks underscored a vision of Israel’s strength drawing more countries toward peace deals.

Dermer also discussed recent military successes, particularly in Lebanon, where he expressed confidence in the ceasefire agreement. “The reason I believed in the ceasefire in Lebanon is that we maintained freedom of action in Lebanon,” he said. “We will ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its strength.”

He pointed to the significant blows dealt to Hezbollah, noting that the group has not recovered since the elimination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Similarly, he highlighted Iran’s weakened position following the death of Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, suggesting these losses have disrupted the axis of resistance against Israel.

The conference also featured remarks from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Responding to a journalist’s question, Huckabee stated, “Hamas is stealing aid to Gaza; that is the tragedy of what is happening in Gaza. I don’t blame Israel; I blame Hamas.”

His comments pointed to Hamas’s role in exacerbating suffering in the region, deflecting criticism from Israel’s actions. The summit, a platform for discussing Israel’s security and diplomatic challenges, highlighted a shared perspective among the speakers: decisive victories pave the way for stability and broader regional cooperation. Dermer’s optimistic timeline and Huckabee’s pointed remarks reflect a strategic alignment as Israel navigates its multifaceted conflicts.