Why is Israel at war with Iran?

Why is Israel at War with Iran?

Israel and Iran have been engaged in a proxy war for several years, with both sides conducting covert and overt operations against each other. The conflict has escalated in recent years, with Israel launching numerous airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria and Lebanon, and Iran retaliating with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli positions. But what is driving this conflict, and what are the stakes?

The Roots of the Conflict

The conflict between Israel and Iran dates back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the US-backed Shah of Iran and established an Islamic republic. Since then, Iran has been a sworn enemy of Israel, viewing it as a bastion of Western imperialism and a symbol of Jewish supremacy.

Israel, on the other hand, has seen Iran as a threat to its very existence, particularly since the Iranian Revolution. Iran’s nuclear program, which began in the 1980s, has been a major source of concern for Israel, which sees it as a potential threat to its own security and survival.

The Nuclear Issue

Iran’s nuclear program has been at the center of the conflict between Israel and Iran. In 2002, Iran revealed that it had been secretly enriching uranium for several years, sparking widespread international concern. The US and European Union imposed strict sanctions on Iran, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted numerous inspections to verify Iran’s compliance with its nuclear obligations.

Israel has been adamant that Iran’s nuclear program poses a significant threat to its national security, and has repeatedly threatened to take military action to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. Iran, on the other hand, has insisted that its nuclear program is purely peaceful and aimed at generating electricity and producing medical isotopes.

The Missile Issue

In addition to its nuclear program, Iran has developed a significant ballistic missile capability, which has been a major source of concern for Israel. Iran has launched numerous ballistic missiles at Israeli positions in Syria and Lebanon, and has threatened to target Israeli cities and infrastructure.

Israel has responded by launching airstrikes against Iranian missile sites and logistics facilities in Syria and Lebanon, and has also deployed its own missile defense systems to protect against Iranian attacks.

The Proxy War in Syria

The conflict in Syria has been a major battleground in the proxy war between Israel and Iran. Israel has launched numerous airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria, including military bases, logistics facilities, and convoys of Iranian troops and equipment.

Iran, on the other hand, has provided significant military support to the Syrian government, including troops, equipment, and intelligence. Iran has also used Syria as a base to launch attacks against Israel, including ballistic missile attacks and drone strikes.

The Proxy War in Lebanon

Lebanon has also been a major battleground in the proxy war between Israel and Iran. Iran has provided significant support to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has been a major thorn in Israel’s side since the 1980s.

Hezbollah has launched numerous attacks against Israel, including rocket attacks and suicide bombings, and has also been involved in the Syrian conflict on the side of the government.

The Stakes

The conflict between Israel and Iran has significant stakes for both sides. For Israel, the issue is survival. Israel views Iran as a existential threat, and believes that its nuclear program and ballistic missile capability pose a significant danger to its national security.

For Iran, the issue is regional dominance. Iran sees itself as the dominant power in the Middle East, and believes that it has a right to lead the region. Iran also sees the conflict with Israel as a way to weaken the United States and its allies, and to establish itself as a major player on the global stage.

Conclusion

The conflict between Israel and Iran is complex and multifaceted, with roots dating back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The issue is nuclear, with both sides having significantly different views on Iran’s nuclear program. The issue is also military, with both sides engaging in a proxy war in Syria and Lebanon.

The stakes are high, with both sides viewing the conflict as a matter of national survival. For Israel, the issue is existential, while for Iran, the issue is regional dominance. As the conflict continues to escalate, it is clear that the world is watching with bated breath, hoping that a peaceful resolution can be found before it is too late.

Timeline of the Conflict

• 1979: The Iranian Revolution overthrows the US-backed Shah of Iran and establishes an Islamic republic.
• 1980s: Iran begins developing its nuclear program, which is viewed as a threat by Israel.
• 2002: Iran reveals its nuclear program, sparking international concern.
• 2006: Israel launches a war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is backed by Iran.
• 2010s: Iran begins to develop its ballistic missile capability, which is viewed as a threat by Israel.
• 2015: The US and European Union impose strict sanctions on Iran, which are lifted in 2016 as part of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• 2017: The US withdraws from the JCPOA, reimposing sanctions on Iran.
• 2018: Israel launches airstrikes against Iranian targets in Syria, sparking a wave of retaliatory attacks by Iran.
• 2019: The US and Iran come close to war after Iran shoots down a US drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Players

• Israel: A US-backed country with a significant military capability and a strong interest in preventing Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
• Iran: A US-backed country with a significant military capability and a strong interest in establishing itself as a major player on the global stage.
• United States: A major player in the Middle East, with a significant military presence in the region and a strong interest in preventing Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
• European Union: A group of European countries that has imposed sanctions on Iran and has a significant interest in preventing Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
• Hezbollah: A Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, which has been involved in numerous attacks against Israel.

Table: Key Conflicts and Events

Bullets: Key Issues

• Nuclear program
• Ballistic missile capability
• Proxy war in Syria and Lebanon
• Regional dominance
• National survival
• Existential threat
• International relations