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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
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
Elections amplifying US opposition to Israeli strike on Iran
Observers express deep concern over leak of classified documents on reported IAF preparations.
Oct. 22, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
The site of an overnight Israeli airstrike that targeted a branch of the Al-Qard Al-Hassan finance group in Beirut's southern suburbs on Oct. 21, 2024. Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Israeli strikes seek to cripple Hezbollah’s shadow state
The targeting of Hezbollah’s financial foundations signals a strategic blow to its Iranian-funded terror network’s grip on Lebanon.
Oct. 21, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Israel's air-defense systems fire interception missiles at Hezbollah rockets from Lebanon near Safed, June 27, 2024. Photo by Ayal Margolin/Flash90.
Analysis
Offense as important as defense when it comes to missile defense
Amid reports that Israel is running low on missile interceptors, a Western source explains to JNS that the situation is more complicated than that.
Oct. 20, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar at a rally in Beit Lahiya, the Gaza Strip, on May 30, 2021. Photo by Atia Mohammed/Flash90.
Analysis
With jihadist mass murderer dead, Israel takes another stride forward
Yahya Sinwar’s elimination demonstrates that instead of capitulating to demands to leave Gaza, Israel is creating the basis for a new Middle East.
Oct. 18, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Picture showing a replica of Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant at an exhibition at the International Conference on Nuclear Science and Technology in Isfahan in on May 6, 2024. Photo by Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
As Iran’s proxy strategy weakens, focus shifts to nuclear program
Tehran is weeks away from military-grade nuclear enrichment, as the regime faces pressures to accelerate its nuclear project.
Oct. 16, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon) armored personnel carriers depart a base to patrol near the Lebanon- Israel border on Oct. 5, 2024 in Marjayoun, Lebanon. Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images.
Analysis
UNIFIL’s failure means it must leave or reform
The mounting evidence of Hezbollah’s exploitation of UNIFIL positions, combined with the force’s inability to report or monitor these violations, demonstrates that UNIFIL’s presence is not only ineffective but dangerous.
Oct. 14, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
A gas station attendant fills a motorcycle in Tehran after a cyberattack disrupted Iran's fuel distribution network, Oct. 27, 2021. Photo by Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images.
Analysis
Cyberattacks targeting Iran ‘likely a message’
Key infrastructure, including nuclear facilities and essential networks, have been hit by “heavy” cyberattacks.
Oct. 14, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
Hezbollah Rocket Fire
Analysis
‘Our enemies’ core assumptions have been shattered’
Hezbollah and Iran have been surprised by Israel’s ability to fight a long, multi-front war with growing success, former Israeli national security adviser Meir Ben Shabbat tells JNS.
Oct. 10, 2024
Yaakov Lappin
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