Israel is cast as one of the most powerful countries on earth, which is good for Israel and its allies but a warning to its rivals.

• Israel is described as having the second most capable military in the world, plus nuclear weapons.
• Its real strength comes from being backed by the United States, the biggest power of all.
• It carries weight through wealth, the Jewish diaspora, and control over a big share of US trade.
• Its spy agencies are sharp on nearby enemies like Iran but weak elsewhere, because America covers the rest.
• Regional rivals like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain cannot match its military or intelligence edge.

Outlook: Israel is likely to stay the dominant regional power as long as US support holds.