There are voices—both in Israel and abroad—that imagine the Jewish state as a kind of “policeman” of the Middle East, mirroring the role the United States has attempted to play globally. The logic suggests that with Israel's military strength, intelligence capabilities, and economic innovation, it could serve as an enforcer of stability.

But this would be a mistake.

Israel is not an empire, nor should it aspire to act like one. The region’s history is littered with the failures of foreign intervention and heavy-handed rule. If Israel were to take on the role of regional enforcer, it would invite backlash, deepen tensions, and sap its moral and political standing.

Instead, Israel’s power lies in its example. It is the only democracy in the region, and despite internal divisions, its commitment to civil liberties, economic growth, and innovation remains strong. Rather than wielding its power through force, Israel should aim to lead by inspiration.

In a region where monarchies, autocracies, and fragile democracies coexist, Israel can serve as a catalyst for positive change—not by imposing systems, but by showcasing what is possible. Cooperation in tech, water, health, and education under the Abraham Accords has already opened doors. 

This should be Israel’s model: not domination, but partnership.

Israel must remain vigilant in defense, but its greater task is to show that prosperity, stability, and freedom can grow not through coercion, but through vision, resilience, and shared purpose.