Israel’s ability to control West Bank settlers and its commitment to a Palestinian state will significantly increase its capacity to manage the remaining Hamas fighters. The more Arab nations invest in security and financial aid, the more confident Israelis and Palestinians will feel about the possibility of change.

The role of America in pushing all parties towards peace is also crucial. Achieving peace and stability in the Middle East is a challenging task, but the world must take advantage of this opportunity, as the threat of war is constant.

The Biden administration is employing a dual strategy of military action and diplomacy in an attempt to reshape the Middle East. The U.S. is aiming to reduce Iranian influence by resolving the Gaza conflict, promoting Israel-Saudi normalization, and establishing a Palestinian state.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making his fifth trip to the Middle East since the Hamas attack on Israel in October, with the goal of securing a sustained ceasefire and the release of about 130 hostages in Gaza.

The U.S. has been using military action to keep Iran’s proxies at bay, buying time for diplomatic efforts. This has included the Biden administration’s strongest response yet against Tehran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria, followed by strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.

The U.S. strategy now prioritizes the Palestinian issue, with the establishment of a Palestinian state seen as a prerequisite for Israeli-Saudi normalization and the creation of a broad anti-Iran alignment in the region. However, this strategy faces significant obstacles, including the need for cooperation from Israel and Saudi Arabia, and the reform of the Palestinian Authority.

The U.S. and its allies have also been conducting military strikes against Iran’s proxy forces to prevent them from attacking American troops and disrupting U.S. diplomatic efforts. The U.S. recently struck over 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, aiming to destroy missile, rocket, and drone stores used to attack U.S. troops.

Read more at The Wall Street Journal.