Story perspectives

Israel's Strategy: Fostering Conflict to Undermine Rivals

1/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The article argues that Israel has pursued a long-standing strategy of fostering internal conflicts in neighboring countries.
It traces this approach to the Lebanese civil war, where factions were manipulated to weaken the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
In Gaza, the article alleges Israel supports militias to create division and undermine Hamas.
It notes Israel maintains alliances with authoritarian regimes and cites Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regional ambitions as a complicating factor.

History

Historical Context

The Lebanese Civil War, which erupted on April 13, 1975, involved complex sectarian divisions among militias, including Maronite, Druze, and Palestinian factions. Israel intervened by supporting Christian militias to weaken the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). This strategy of manipulating regional conflicts has persisted, influencing contemporary dynamics in Gaza and highlighting Israel's ongoing geopolitical maneuvers in the Middle East.

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Story summary

The article argues that Israel has pursued a long-standing strategy of fostering internal conflicts in neighboring countries.
It traces this approach to the Lebanese civil war, where factions were manipulated to weaken the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
In Gaza, the article alleges Israel supports militias to create division and undermine Hamas.
It notes Israel maintains alliances with authoritarian regimes and cites Recep Tayyip Erdogan's regional ambitions as a complicating factor.

1 / 2