The Middle East, What's Next S5E70 0615.2026

Gio from Grosseto, Italy writes:

The conflict in the Middle East continues without any sign of slowing, and the situation is becoming increasingly unstable. The United States and Iran are both urging Israel to halt its operations in Lebanon, yet at the same time, Israel and Iran continue exchanging missile strikes. It feels as though no diplomatic pressure, not even from major powers, is having any real influence on the parties involved.

Your panel has often discussed the lack of an off‑ramp, and I agree: at this moment, there appears to be no clear path toward de‑escalation. What concerns me now is that Israel is effectively engaged on multiple fronts. Historically, when a nation is stretched thin, adversaries sometimes see an opportunity. 

Do you believe there are regional actors who might view this as a moment to strike a weakened Israel? And if so, who would be the most likely contenders?

At the same time, international support for Israel continues to erode. As last week’s listener from England mentioned, attacks on Jewish communities are rising there, and I can say the same is happening here in Italy. It’s a troubling reminder that regional conflict often fuels broader hostility far beyond the battlefield.

If another nation were to enter the conflict, who in the region might come to Israel’s aid? You’ve spoken before about the improving relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Do you think Riyadh would be willing to intervene, or at least provide some form of support?

I would appreciate the panel’s assessment of these possibilities.