The Highland Meeting held on November 16, 2023, in Utah, focused on the geopolitical tensions surrounding Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, with a particular emphasis on Israel's military capabilities and its ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The discussion began with a historical overview of Israel's military engagements since its independence in 1948. David Pyne highlighted Israel's resilience against multiple Arab states during its war of independence and noted its status as the fourth-ranked nuclear power globally, possessing approximately 400 nuclear weapons. He referenced Israel's military history, including its occupation of Southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000 and recent conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Pyne expressed concerns about Iran's military capabilities, suggesting that Iran may already possess nuclear weapons, contrary to U.S. intelligence assessments. He pointed out that Iran's military spending is heavily focused on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, which plays a significant role in supporting anti-Israeli groups. The discussion also touched on Iran's missile capabilities, including the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and the potential threat posed by satellites capable of executing electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks.

The meeting underscored Israel's military superiority, with a significant troop advantage over Hamas and Hezbollah. Pyne argued that Israel's military strength diminishes the necessity for U.S. military involvement in the region. He concluded by commending the Biden administration's approach to managing the Middle Eastern crisis, suggesting it is more prudent than its handling of the situation in Ukraine.

Overall, the meeting provided a detailed analysis of the complex military dynamics in the Middle East, emphasizing the ongoing threats posed by Iran and the strategic importance of Israel's military capabilities in the region.