Current sectionOpinionShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeThe difference between the two wars shows that not only has the balance of power between the government and the IDF changed – the ability to restrain military force has been completely eroded12:29 AM • July 29 2026 IDTThe 20th anniversary of the Second Lebanon War offers a good opportunity to make a comparison between it and the war in Gaza. In both cases, the decision to go to war was made hastily, without considering alternatives, formulating an exit strategy or setting goals that were tested for their feasibility. Nevertheless, there is a critical difference between them, and that is that the army's ability to restrain the politicians has weakened. In the NewsWhether Lebanon or Gaza, Who Tells the Government 'No' When the Army Won't?The West Bank Isn't Burning Fast Enough for Israel's Far RightNetanyahu Declined to Meet Zelenskyy During U.S. Visit, Ukrainian Sources SayTrump's Irritation, Netanyahu's Desperation: Oval Office Smiles Mask RiftsJerusalem Protester Fined for Chalk Grafitti Outside Israeli Minister's HomeRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIIsrael's Far Right Is Repeating the Sin That Brought Down the TempleAl Jazeera Reportedly Ends Contracts of Over 20 Gazan JournalistsWith the West Bank Primed to Explode, Israel's Government Sees an OpportunityTwo Israelis, Four Palestinians Killed in Clash After Settlers Enter TownThese Young Israelis Are Calling for the Zionist Left to Confront the OccupationIran Strikes on CIA Facilities Prompt Questions About Possible Russian Role