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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.

Comrades attend the funeral of five fighters of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who were killed in Manbij during clashes with Turkish-backed opposition factions earlier this week, in Qamishli in northeastern Syria on Dec. 14, 2024. Photo by Delil souleiman/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Turkish-orchestrated attacks on Kurds also threaten Israeli interests
Military action against the Kurds in northern and eastern Syria threatens a U.S. ally that could prevent future Iranian arms smuggling, observers tell JNS.
Dec. 16, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
IDF
Analysis
Israel ‘likely used heavy munitions’ in Syria strikes
“We’re acting to prevent lethal strategic weapons from falling into hostile hands,” said IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani.
Dec. 10, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
IDF Armored Corps soldiers at a staging area near the Gaza Strip, July 21, 2024. Photo by Oren Cohen/Flash90.
Analysis
IDF relearning the basics while modernizing for future threats
Israel approves major defense procurements amid calls to rebuild ground forces and reserve components.
Dec. 10, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Pereh Unit fighters train on the Golan Heights. Credit: IDF.
Israel News
‘Israel must reorganize presence on Golan Heights’
The new Pereh (“Wild”) Unit will consist of highly trained reservists, reconnaissance and special unit members who are locals.
Dec. 9, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
An armed woman flashes the V for victory sign as Syrian Kurds celebrate the fall of capital Damascus to anti-government fighters, in the city of Qamishli on Dec. 8, 2024. Photo by Delil Souleiman/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Why the fall of Assad is a net gain for Israel despite risks
Iran’s vision of turning Syria into a part of its “ring of fire” around Israel has shattered.
Dec. 8, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
The scene where two Israeli soldiers were wounded by a Hezbollah bomb on Mount Dov in the Golan Heights on Oct. 7, 2014. Credit: Flash90.
Analysis
Israeli will to enforce Lebanon understandings put to the test
It is not clear this enforcement goes far enough, Professor Uzi Rabi tells JNS.
Dec. 4, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Sunni rebels in Aleppo, northwestern Syria, Nov. 30, 2024. Photo by Omar Haj Kadour/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Chaos in Syria ‘creates opportunities’ against Iranian axis
Former intelligence officer tells JNS Assad regime was major Hezbollah weapons supplier • Ex-officers hold contrasting views on Syria.
Dec. 2, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon vehicles patrol in the Marjayoun district, near the border with Israel, Nov. 29, 2024. Photo by AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
‘The ceasefire is shaky, like all things in Lebanon’
The arrangement is fragile, and Hezbollah’s intentions of keeping to it are in doubt, Professor Eyal Zisser tells JNS.
Nov. 29, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Smoke billows above Beirut's southern suburbs following an Israeli airstrike on Nov. 26, 2024. Photo by Fadel Itani/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Enforcing the truce: ‘Our actions will talk,’ Israeli security official says
“The IDF will not hesitate to use force to stop attempts to smuggle arms to Hezbollah.”
Nov. 28, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
View of the Israeli border with Lebanon, Nov. 25, 2024. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90.
Analysis
Implementation challenges in Lebanon ceasefire agreement
Concerns linger over Hezbollah’s compliance and Israel’s operational freedom.
Nov. 26, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Biden Trump
Analysis
Will Biden act against Israel during the lame-duck period?
“Obama broke the tradition where an outgoing president doesn’t initiate significant new policies during the transition.”
Nov. 21, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
An Israeli soldier neutralizes roadside bombs found on the Israeli side of the Alpha Line in the southern Golan Heights, Nov. 17, 2020. Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Office.
Israel News
Israeli fortifications on the Golan boost defense against attack
UNDOF claims the IDF’s construction of a barrier along the Alpha Line violates the ceasefire with Syria.
Nov. 19, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
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