The Intelligence from The Economist Lone goals: will US-Israel war aims diverge?
21 snips
Mar 13, 2026 
Anne Wroe, obituaries editor, remembers clowning master Philippe Gaulier. Josh Roberts, capital markets correspondent, explains why low-quality, energy-linked stocks can beat blue chips after geopolitical shocks. Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent, analyses tensions between US and Israeli aims, risks of divergence, and the trajectory of the Lebanon campaign.
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Divergent US Israel War Aims
- Israel and the US share a joint air campaign against Iran now but emphasise different endgames.
- Anshel Pfeffer says Israel seeks regime change while the Trump administration wants control of Iran's oil with a compliant regime, setting up future discord.
Off Ramp Risk Could Fracture Alliance
- Divergent end goals create a likely off-ramp dispute once momentum slows or leaders decide to stop.
- Pfeffer warns an early US exit or US-declared end could leave Israel with unmet objectives and domestic political fallout before elections.
Hezbollah Offensive Escalates Without End In Sight
- Israel's campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon is escalating with hundreds of airstrikes and rising casualties.
- Pfeffer reports at least 700 dead so far, limited ground incursions near the border, and plans hinging on Hezbollah's missile fire and Lebanon's government response.