Iran and Israel have been engaged in a proxy war for decades, but the conflict has intensified since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which killed over 1,400 Israelis and abducted 240 more. The attack, which was backed by Iran, triggered a war between Israel and Hamas, which has been ongoing for more than three months. The war has also involved other Iranian proxies, such as Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and the Houthis, who have launched rockets and drones at Israel and its allies.
The proxy war between Iran and Israel is rooted in their ideological and strategic rivalry, which dates back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran. The revolution transformed Iran from a close ally of Israel to a sworn enemy, committed to the destruction of the Jewish state and the liberation of Palestine. Iran also sought to challenge Israel’s regional dominance and to spread its influence and ideology across the Middle East. Iran has supported various militant groups that oppose Israel, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad, and has provided them with weapons, training, and funding.
The Dynamics of the Proxy War
The proxy war between Iran and Israel is characterized by covert and overt actions, as well as by deterrence and escalation. Both sides have tried to avoid a direct confrontation, which could trigger a wider and more devastating war. Instead, they have relied on their proxies to carry out attacks and operations against each other, while also conducting cyberattacks, assassinations, sabotage, and espionage. Both sides have also tried to deter each other from crossing certain red lines, such as attacking nuclear facilities or civilian targets. However, both sides have also escalated the conflict when they felt threatened or provoked, such as by launching airstrikes, missiles, or raids.
The proxy war between Iran and Israel is also influenced by the regional and international context, as well as by the domestic politics of both countries. The proxy war is affected by the alliances and rivalries of other actors in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon, who have their own interests and agendas. The proxy war is also affected by the involvement and policies of global powers, such as the United States, Russia, China, and the European Union, who have their own stakes and roles in the region. The proxy war is also affected by the internal dynamics and challenges of both Iran and Israel, such as the economic, social, and political crises, the public opinion, and the leadership changes.
The Consequences of the Proxy War
The proxy war between Iran and Israel has had serious and lasting consequences for both countries and the region. The proxy war has caused death, injury, and displacement for thousands of people, mostly civilians, who have been caught in the crossfire. The proxy war has also caused damage, destruction, and disruption for the infrastructure, economy, and environment of both countries and the region. The proxy war has also caused instability, insecurity, and radicalization for the society, politics, and culture of both countries and the region. The proxy war has also prevented the possibility of dialogue, cooperation, and peace between Iran and Israel, and between their respective allies and adversaries.
