Israeli deterrence against Iran collapsed: Palestinian official

The Israeli occupation's strategic influence is diminishing at all levels, and it cannot support itself on its own without aid from the United States, Palestinian Islamic Jihad Deputy Secretary-General Mohammad al-Hindi said.

Tehran -ISNA- "The balance of power is changing; America has its own problems and challenges, and Israel does not have the support or capabilities to assert dominance in the region," the Palestinian top Resistance official underlined.

"There are new rules of engagement today," al-Hindi told Al Mayadeen, stressing that Iran's retaliation was a mere preliminary warning to the Israeli occupation.

"The West is complicit in Israel's crimes in Gaza and Palestine and covers them. Yet, we're ahead of a new landscape that necessitates reassessments," he added.

The United States, the PIJ deputy chief said, does not want a regional war, especially as it is during an election year, which implies that it would rather not back an Israeli attack that would bring escalation.

"Gaza today is the battleground that damaged Israel most as it tarnished the occupation's image due to the fact that it is facing Resistance factions perfectly capable of manufacturing their own weapons despite the imposed blockade," he underlined.

Moreover, al-Hindi wondered how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to avoid a regional war as he sought a "tough response" to Iran's retaliation.

Al-Hindi went on to tell Al Mayadeen that the resistance submitted its response to the proposal and that it made it clear that withdrawal was a pivotal part of any agreement, though it said that a withdrawal could be gradual. Another core demand is a ceasefire, which the Resistance stressed could also be gradual.

"Israel is forced to pay a price through the deal because of its strategic military failures on the battleground," the PIJ deputy chief stressed.

"There is more to come. We have more time for Israel to realize that it must pay the price," he added. "Israel's deterrence in the face of Iran has ended."

"Israel is facing a real impasse and its options are limited," al-Hindi concluded. "It has grown to appear weaker, and its strategic importance has diminished. Many countries will reassess [their ties to Israel] after the war is over."