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Yaakov Lappin

Yaakov Lappin

Yaakov Lappin is an Israel-based military affairs correspondent and analyst. He is the in-house analyst at the Miryam Institute; a research associate at the Alma Research and Education Center; and a research associate at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies at Bar-Ilan University. He is a frequent guest commentator on international television news networks, including Sky News and i24 News. Lappin is the author of Virtual Caliphate: Exposing the Islamist State on the Internet. Follow him at: www.patreon.com/yaakovlappin.

An Israeli soldier examines anti-tank ordnance seized from Hezbollah's Radwan Force in Southern Lebanon, Dec. 28, 2024. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
Hezbollah’s Radwan Force and the risk of northern infiltration
Despite significant degradation, Israeli observers warn that Hezbollah retains the capability for localized cross-border raids.
Mar. 19, 2026
Yaakov Lappin
Ali Larijani
Analysis
Ali Larijani, Iran’s ‘de facto ruler,’ eliminated in IAF strike
Mar. 18, 2026
Yaakov Lappin
Israel Defense Forces troops from the 91st Division conduct ground operations against key Hezbollah strongholds in Southern Lebanon, March 15, 2026. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
‘Only IDF presence in Lebanon can defend northern Israel’
Mar. 17, 2026
Yaakov Lappin
Iran Tanker
Analysis
Harming Iran’s oil exports to China is ‘dramatic blow’
As the US applies a series of new sanctions targeting Sino-Iranian oil trade, an Israeli observer says the effect could be major.
Apr. 20, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Residents and members of the clergy march together ahead of Palm Sunday mass in Lebanon's southern village of Qlayaa on April 13, 2025. Photo by Rabih Daher/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Lebanon claims it is replacing Hezbollah in the south
Israel eyes sea-based arms routes via Beirut Port as the terror organization shifts to maritime smuggling.
Apr. 18, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
The Israeli Air Force practicing aerial refueling of fighter jets in Israeli airspace. The exercise simulated long-range flight deep behind enemy lines, Aug. 18, 2024. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
‘Israel must put its own military option on the table’ vis à vis Iran
After the first round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, Israeli observers warn about the dangers of open-ended negotiations.
Apr. 15, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
U.S. Central Command forces continue operations against Iran-backed Houthi terrorists, on March 17, 2025. Source: U.S. Central Command/X.
Analysis
US strikes hit Houthis hard, but a broader coalition is needed
While the American air campaign has degraded up to a third of Houthi capabilities, eliminating the threat from Yemen would require a ground effort, Israeli observers say.
Apr. 14, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
IDF in Gaza
Analysis
‘Not the first time Hamas has abused ambulances’
IDF: Military personnel involved in March 23 incident involving firing on ambulances saw it as an encounter with terrorists, immediately notified UN.
Apr. 7, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Turkish soldiers stand at attention as red smoke fills the air during Republic Day celebrations in Kayseri on Oct. 29, 2024. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Turkey has become ‘the central nerve center for Hamas abroad’
Shin Bet uncovers Hamas cell in Nablus run by Turkey-based HQ; observers say Ankara offers freedom of action to Hamas terror operatives.
Apr. 4, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
Palestinians in Gaza
Analysis
Majority of civilians in Gaza have left Rafah, Israeli military confirms
Israeli observers call for the IDF Southern Command to take over civilian activities in the coastal enclave and avoid leaving a vacuum for Hamas to fill.
Apr. 3, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
An S-200 surface-to-air missile system is on display as heavy weaponry, including ballistic missiles, air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, are showcased during an exhibition in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Sept. 26, 2024. Photo by Hossein Beris/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Iran has ‘several hundred’ missiles left in its arsenal
Tehran threatens missile strikes after Trump issues a nuclear ultimatum and deploys B-2 bombers.
Apr. 3, 2025
Yaakov Lappin
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