Israel faces mounting concerns over the prospect of Palestinian Arab statehood, which could significantly amplify existing security threats. While fears of increased terrorism are valid, the emergence of a new Arab state may present deeper, synergistic dangers by altering the regional balance of power and potentially aligning with hostile states such as Iran. The convergence of Palestinian statehood with renewed military threats from Iran and its proxies could result in unprecedented challenges for Israel, especially if nuclear ambitions are realized.
International pressure for Palestinian statehood is growing, fueled by criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza, despite legal debates over the legitimacy of such statehood. If realized, a Palestinian state could become a belligerent ally of Iran, intensifying the risks of regional conflict and complicating Israel's deterrence strategies. The involvement of other actors, including North Korea and Pakistan, further complicates the strategic landscape, raising questions about the future nuclear posture of neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey.
Given these force-multiplying hazards, the article argues that Israel must consistently and simultaneously oppose both the threats posed by Palestinian statehood and Iran's nuclear ambitions. The situation demands careful reassessment of Israel's nuclear doctrine and deterrence policies to address the evolving challenges.