War in Israel-Gaza

• Israel conducted a precision strike on an Iranian air defense system, signaling its capability and restraint to avoid broader conflict.
• The attack was a response to an unprecedented direct missile and drone attack by Iran on Israeli soil, marking a significant escalation in their long-standing tensions.

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• President Biden's public statements on the drone attack that killed 3 U.S. soldiers in Jordan shows the U.S. is keen to avoid war with Iran while focusing on Hezbollah's activities.
• The drone attack represents a significant escalation, marking the first US military casualty by enemy air power since 1953 and prompting a strategic withdrawal of Hezbollah from aggressive engagements with US forces in Iraq and Syria.

• The U.S. should prioritize negotiating a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and ensure robust humanitarian aid to Gaza, while supporting Israel's defense needs without contributing to collective punishment against Palestinians.
• It's important for the U.S. to enforce policies on civilian protection and human rights in the conflict, and to lead diplomatic efforts for a political solution that fosters lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

• Hudson scholar John P. Walters writes that the October 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas showcases the need for a more proactive approach to deterrence beyond passive defense strategies.
• Walters criticizes U.S. policy towards Israel, suggesting it has encouraged a passive defense approach and hindered proactive deterrence.

• This written debate by Brookings experts dives into whether U.S. security is dependent on limiting China's economic growth.
• The U.S. should focus on countering China's economic tactics rather than explicitly aiming to slow its growth. Policies should be developed to protect U.S. interests, particularly in technology and innovation sectors.

• Brookings expert Jeffrey Feltman discuss the escalating violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and the implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• He argues that these Israeli settlers should be considered nonstate armed actors (NSAA) and suggests that the U.S. should take stronger actions against them, similar to measures used against Palestinian terrorism.