Introduction

The confrontation between Iran and Israel is not new; it has been going on for many decades. Iran’s Islamic revolution in 1979 changed relations between them. The Palestinian issue remains the focal point of their conflict. Over the years, Israel has supported several groups that are strongly hostile to the Iranian government. Iran also responded by trying to destabilize Israel with different anti-Israel organizations.

 Israel has used its military forces to respond to such attempts and has tried many times to block Iran’s nuclear program, which it considers a major threat to its existence. Both states often struck blows against each other without taking responsibility.

Recently, on April 13, 2024, Iran launched a huge missile and suicide drone strike on Israel with the codename Operation True Promise in response to the deaths of the Iranian commanders in Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Historical Roots of Iran-Israel Animosity

Iran and Israel were allies until the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, but now see each other as adversaries for regional strength and influence.  Iran considers Israel a regional rival, whereas Israel sees Iran as a security threat that poses substantial ideological and strategic obstacles to the Jewish state.

Furthermore, Israelis fear Arab revolutions that possibly benefit Iran and increase its regional dominance. In the past, the Supreme Leader of Iran Khamenei called Israel a “Cancerous tumor”.

Israel sees Iran as an imminent threat because of its argumentation, the formation of proxy forces, the sponsorship of Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, and its cover pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite Iran’s denial of such a plot.

Iran and Israel have no shared boundaries, conflict, or territorial claims. They had very good ties during the Pahlavi regime (1925–1979). Iran is the second Muslim-majority country which recognized Israel in 1948. Iran participated in the special 11-member United Nations Committee formed in 1947, which was tasked with devising a solution for Palestine when British control ended. Iran voted against the UN partition plan, but the Islamic revolution changed the regime in Iran and changed the whole situation, and the old friendship turned into a great enmity.

Current hostility between Iran-Israel

Iran claims its April 13, 2024 attack on Israel is a retaliation to the April 1 air strike on an Iranian embassy facility in Damascus, which resulted in the killing of senior Iranian officials. Iran blames Israel do this misadventure which is considered a breach of its sovereignty. 

Moreover, Israel has not confessed to carrying that attack out, although it is commonly thought that it did. In this air strike, thirteen people died including the well-known Brig. Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a top commander in the Quds force. He had played a crucial role in Iran’s campaign to arm Hezbollah.

Iran-Israel conflict Impact on regional security

The Middle East is critical to global security and has many interests. Increased tensions between Israel and Iran pose a risk of escalating regional conflict, engaging other governments via military alliance or economic pressure. Syria Lebanon, and Gulf nations may be lured into encouraging extremism and terrorism with far-reaching consequences.

The Middle East a major participant in the global energy supply, faces transportation interruptions owing to future wars. These interruptions might influence oil supply raising prices and causing economic instability.

Moreover, the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for oil supplies, might also be under threat perhaps producing economic downturns or recessions in vulnerable countries.

Conclusion

The current crisis serves as an acute example of the instability of Middle Eastern politics, as well as how rapidly regional conflict may escalate and draw in a broader variety of people. The international community closely follows the situation, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities and a resumption of diplomatic talks. However, while both nations prepare for possible future armed engagement peace remains low.