Israel’s security environment is being shaped by a series of rapidly unfolding regional developments – from shifting alliances to high-stakes intelligence activity – that rarely come into public view.

As former Deputy Head of the Mossad and past Chief of Special Operations, Udi Lavi played a central role in some of Israel’s most sophisticated intelligence achievements, including operations targeting Iranian infrastructure and the recent disruption of Hezbollah’s communications networks. His perspective offers rare insight into how Israel plans, executes, and adapts its strategy in a complex and fast-changing environment.

Alongside Iran and Hezbollah, evolving dynamics in Syria and the growing regional influence of Turkey are reshaping Israel’s broader geopolitical calculations and informing decision-making at the highest levels.

To explore these developments, American Friends of University of Haifa was honored to host a special webinar featuring Udi Lavi, who shed light on the intelligence successes shaping Israel’s deterrence posture – and what the future may hold across Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey.

The conversation was moderated by Dubi Weisglass, Chair of the Executive Committee of the University of Haifa and former Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Reflecting the University of Haifa’s deep expertise in national security and regional affairs, this program offered a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of Israel’s most experienced intelligence leaders.