Contrary to what many experts claim, Israel’s muted strike on Thursday in retaliation for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack last weekend actually makes all-out war between the two countries much less likely. This should suit the Islamic Republic’s interests, as it is facing an existential crisis brought on by decades of repressing its own people. Proxy wars — through Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis — allow the regime to project a veneer of strength without risking a crisis at home.