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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
Blinken Saudi
Analysis
Attempts to reach US-Saudi deal ‘part of struggle for the world order’
Fresh attempts by the United States and Saudi Arabia to reach a defense pact are part of a wider effort to reshape regional and global dynamics, and to degrade Iran’s influence, according to observers in Israel.
Nov. 17, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Jabalia IDF
Israel News
In Jabalia, ‘The land of explosive devices,’ Hamas is on the verge of collapse
The IDF has killed some 1,200 terrorists in northern Gaza and is adamant not to let others return.
Nov. 15, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Mourners attend the funeral of slain Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in the Qatari capital Doha on Aug. 2, 2024. Photo by Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Under US pressure to expel Hamas, Qatar keeps double-dealing
There is no indication Doha will end its role as financial backer and enabler of Hamas.
Nov. 14, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Hezbollah flags on the northern border between Israel and Lebanon, July 3, 2022. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90.
Analysis
Assessing Hezbollah’s severely depleted stockpile
Although it can still terrorize northern Israel, the Lebanese group’s arsenal is a shadow of its former self.
Nov. 11, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, (R) and Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi exchange documents after signing a memoranda of understanding on "long-term strategic cooperation" in Damascus, Syria, May 3, 2023. Photo by Borna News/Matin Ghasemi/Aksonline ATPImages/Getty Images.
Analysis
Can Syria’s Assad be distanced from Iranian-Hezbollah influence?
Even a partial reduction of the Iranian presence in Syria would be a gain for Israel.
Nov. 7, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Israeli troops during operational activity in the Gaza Strip, October 2024. Credit: IDF.
Analysis
Israel is at a crossroads in Gaza
Over a year after the start of the Gaza war, Israel’s military operations against Hamas have seen remarkable success, yet to finally defeat the terror group, the civilian-political front must now be tackled, observers tell JNS.
Nov. 4, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Israeli soldiers seen next to their artillery units near the Israeli border with Lebanon, northern Israel, Oct. 2, 2024. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90.
Features
A day with an IDF artillery battalion
Readiness is critical for the soldiers of Artillery Battery A of the 411st Battalion, which must be able to provide fire support for ground forces in Lebanon within seconds.
Oct. 30, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
IAF F-35 stealth fighter aircraft
Analysis
Iran’s missile program set back, but nuclear threat remains
Israel appears to be playing a longer game, seeking to degrade Iran’s immediate military threat while leaving room for future strikes.
Oct. 27, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
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