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Ex-US Commander: In Mideast, 'We're in the Wider War Now'

General Frank McKenzie believes Israel holds a key advantage over Iran in what he calls the 'escalation ladder' in the Middle East.

HEBRON, WEST BANK - OCTOBER 01: Many rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem from Hebron, on October 01, 2024. The Israeli army announced that missiles were fired from Iran towards Israel and sirens were heard across the country, especially in Tel Aviv. (Photo by Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW — The Middle East is on the brink of a new war, after a dizzying series of events: Israel has battered Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, including the assassination of the group's leader; Iran – Hezbollah’s longtime patron – has attacked Israel; and now Israel is vowing to carry out a powerful retaliation against Iran. As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu put it, "Iran has made a big mistake...and it will pay for it." 

Israel has been at war with Hamas in Gaza for nearly a year, but in less than two weeks, its war against Hezbollah has brought it to the verge of a full-scale war with Iran. And now the Middle East, for all the tensions and conflicts that have riven the region for years, is in uncharted territory. 

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