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Analysis: More powerful than ever, but here's what Israel lacks to be a true regional superpower

2025-07-06 10:27:33Pikëpamje SHKRUAR NGA DAVID ROSENBERG – HAARETZ
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David Rosenberg – Haaretz

After the war against Iran and its allies, many analysts believe that Israel has significantly strengthened its position in the Middle East. However, despite the strength shown on the battlefield, Israel still does not meet all the conditions to be considered a full-fledged regional power. Even if we have entered an era of “Pax Israelitica,” it relies more on military force than on diplomatic consensus.

In contrast to US President Donald Trump’s vision of a Middle East focused on peace and economic development, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes a harder line. He sees Israel as a guarantor of regional security and order through force. In his victory speech after the war with Iran, Netanyahu declared: “We have no intention of taking our foot off the pedal. We must complete the campaign against the Iranian axis, defeat Hamas, and return all hostages – dead and alive.”

Military and technological power

In the 2025 Global Firepower rankings, Israel ranks 15th in the world for military capabilities, a considerable achievement for a country with a relatively small population. In the region, it is second only to Turkey. The war with Iran showed that in today's era of high-tech warfare, numbers are not everything.

The Jewish state also has a clear advantage in the field of military technology and intelligence. Despite the failures on October 7, Israel has proven effective in confronting Iran and Hezbollah. According to the Belfer Center’s 2025 index of critical and emerging technologies, Israel ranks 19th in the world – better than any other country in the Middle East.

Economy and sustainability

Israel has shown resilience during recent conflicts, remaining economically active despite being at war for more than 20 months. But maintaining a large military and a war economy requires significant resources. In 2023, military spending accounted for 8.8% of GDP, more than any other country except Ukraine. This year, with the war with Iran and the offensive in Gaza, the defense budget is expected to exceed 30 billion shekels (about $9 billion). This is a burden that the Israeli economy cannot afford indefinitely.

Dependence on the US

Despite its military success, Israel would not have been able to survive the war without massive aid from the United States. In the 12 months following October 7, American aid amounted to $18 billion—including weapons, ammunition, and logistical support. Although Israel produces much of its own weapons, it remains dependent on the United States for advanced equipment such as F-35 fighter jets and missiles for air defense systems.

Weakness in soft power

Where Israel lags most is in “soft power,” cultural influence, and international perception. The current government has been criticized for its rhetoric and actions, especially in Gaza, which have tarnished Israel’s image in public opinion in Europe and the United States. This has led to concrete consequences: an arms embargo, threats to sever relations, and economic boycotts. In the international ranking of “the most culturally influential countries,” Israel ranks 46th.

Israel is more powerful than ever militarily and technologically, but it remains too small a country to assume the role of regional superpower. Dependence on American aid, economic challenges, and a lack of soft power are key obstacles. While Netanyahu promises determination and certainty, there are clear signs that post-victory arrogance could lead Israel into a long, tiring engagement in an unstable region.

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