Why Are
Iran and Israel Enemies?
Iran and
Israel, once allies, have become fierce adversaries, particularly since Iran’s
Islamic Revolution. Israeli airstrikes on Iranian consulates in Syria and
Iran’s counterattacks with drones and missiles exemplify this ongoing rivalry,
which has intensified over recent decades. Iran openly expresses its desire to
erase Israel from the map, while Israel considers Iran its greatest adversary.
A
Historical Shift
Before
Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, Israel and Iran shared a cooperative alliance.
Iran was one of the first nations to recognize Israel in 1948, viewing Israel
as a counterbalance against Arab nations. In exchange for oil, Israel provided
Iran with technical expertise, training Iranian agricultural specialists and
supporting its armed forces.
Changing
Relations After 1979
The 1979
revolution marked a turning point, as Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and his
religious regime dissolved previous treaties with Israel. Iran began vocally
opposing Israel’s control over Palestinian territories, with its increasingly
severe rhetoric aimed at gaining support from regional Arab populations and
expanding its own influence.
When Israel
intervened in Lebanon’s civil conflict in 1982, Khomeini sent the Iranian
Revolutionary Guard to Beirut to back local Shia militias. The Hezbollah
militia, which grew from this support, is now a key Iranian proxy in Lebanon.
Present-Day
Relations
Iran's
current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues the anti-Israel
stance, frequently questioning the Holocaust’s narrative and opposing any form
of compromise with Israel.
- Is the war between Iran and Israel a war of religion and ideology or is it a struggle for dominance in the region?
The complex
relationship between Iran and Israel encompasses a blend of religious,
ideological, and geopolitical factors, though many analysts view the conflict
as fundamentally rooted in a struggle for regional dominance with religion as a
powerful but secondary component.
1. Ideological
and Religious Dimensions
- Religious Rhetoric: The animosity includes
religious undertones, particularly from Iran's leadership, which often
frames Israel as an “illegitimate Zionist entity.” This aligns with Iran's
role as a Shia Muslim theocracy, positioning itself against Israel, which
it portrays as a Western-backed, secular state in the heart of the Islamic
Middle East.
- Ideological Rivalry: Iran’s revolutionary ideology,
which opposes Western influence and promotes a model of Islamic
governance, is fundamentally at odds with Israel's democratic system and
its alliances with the West, particularly the United States.
2. Geopolitical
and Strategic Motivations
- Regional Dominance: Both nations are vying for
influence in the Middle East. Iran has expanded its presence in Syria,
Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen through proxy groups like Hezbollah, which is a
key part of its “Axis of Resistance” against Israel. Israel, in turn,
seeks to curb Iranian influence by countering these proxies and limiting
Iran’s reach, particularly near its own borders.
- Nuclear Ambitions: Iran’s nuclear program adds
another layer, as Israel perceives a nuclear-capable Iran as an
existential threat. Israel’s preventive measures against this—such as
alleged cyber attacks and airstrikes on Iranian assets—reflect a strategic
attempt to maintain military superiority in the region.
3. National
Security and Existential Threats
- Mutual Perception as a Threat: Both states view each other as
significant threats to their national security. Iran views Israel’s
alliance with Western powers, particularly the United States, as a
containment strategy aimed at Iran’s isolation. Conversely, Israel sees
Iran's support for anti-Israel groups and its military expansion as
efforts to encircle and threaten Israel.
While
religion and ideology amplify the tension, the core of the Iran-Israel conflict
lies in regional dominance and security concerns. Iran’s support for armed
groups in opposition to Israel and its nuclear ambitions challenge Israel’s
position, while Israel actively works to counterbalance Iran’s influence. Thus,
though religious rhetoric is evident, this rivalry is driven largely by
geopolitical strategies and power struggles.
Debates
Within Iran
Not all Iranians support the government’s antagonistic approach toward Israel. Former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani’s daughter, Faezeh Hashemi, suggested in a 2021 interview that Iran reconsider its relationship with Israel, highlighting that alliances with Russia and China overlook the treatment of Muslims in Chechnya and Xinjiang.
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| There are still more than 20,000 Jewish residents living in Iran |
Sadegh
Zibakalam, a political science professor at Tehran University, criticized
Iran’s policy on Israel, stating it isolates the country on the international
stage.
- Do the Iranian people want war or is this a strategy of the ruling Iranian political party to hold on to power?
The general
sentiment among the Iranian people tends to be against war, particularly with
Israel or the West. Many Iranians prioritize economic stability, improved
living standards, and greater social freedoms, rather than conflict. Polls and
studies, while sometimes limited in scope due to restrictions within Iran,
indicate that a significant portion of the population seeks reform and wishes
for normalized relations with other nations, including the West and neighboring
countries, rather than confrontational policies.
Strategy
of the Iranian Political Leadership
Iran’s
ruling authorities, particularly hardline factions within the government, use
anti-Israel and anti-West rhetoric strategically. This approach serves multiple
purposes:
- Maintaining Unity and Control: By emphasizing external
threats, Iranian leaders are able to promote a narrative of national
solidarity against foreign "enemies," which can help divert
attention from domestic issues such as inflation, unemployment, and
political repression.
- Legitimizing Their Rule: Iran’s Supreme Leader and the
Revolutionary Guard Corps often portray themselves as protectors of
Islamic and Iranian values against Western influence, justifying their
power and strict policies as necessary for national security.
Public
Sentiment vs. Government Stance
The Iranian
public's views frequently contrast with those of their government. For example,
during major protests, such as those in 2009 (the Green Movement) and 2019
(economic protests), many Iranians voiced dissatisfaction with their
government’s foreign policies, especially its involvement in regional conflicts
like those in Syria and Yemen. Economic hardships stemming from sanctions and
the government’s military expenditures abroad have also fueled domestic
discontent.
The Iranian
government’s stance on regional conflicts and its anti-Israel rhetoric are more
likely strategies to consolidate internal control and assert regional
influence. Meanwhile, the Iranian populace generally favors peace and economic
reform over war. This divide highlights the complexity of Iran's internal
politics, where the government’s foreign policy often does not reflect popular
opinion.
Power
Dynamics
Though Iran
possesses a vast missile arsenal, including the Shihab series and Zolfaghar
missiles, Israel’s advanced technology, missile systems, and defense
capabilities (such as the Iron Dome) offer it a robust defense against missile
and drone threats.
In terms of
conventional military forces, Israel’s technological superiority in air and
missile defense surpasses Iran’s, despite Iran's greater population and larger
standing army.
The rivalry
also extends into cyber warfare, where Israel’s sophisticated digital
infrastructure makes it vulnerable to Iran’s increasing cyber capabilities.
However, Iran’s defense systems remain less advanced, making its own networks
susceptible to counterattacks.
This
complex, decades-long enmity continues to shape regional alliances and tensions
across the Middle East.
Who Holds
More Military Power: Iran or Israel?
The military
power dynamics between Iran and Israel are complex, influenced by distance,
technological capabilities, and differing defense strategies. Despite the
2,152-kilometer gap, Iran has demonstrated the reach of its missiles, proving
significant progress in its missile program.
Iran is home
to the Middle East’s largest and most diverse missile program, reportedly
possessing over 3,000 ballistic missiles, according to U.S. Central Command’s
General Kenneth McKenzie in 2022. On the other hand, Israel’s missile
capabilities remain less public, though it is widely recognized as having the
most advanced missile stockpile in the region. Over the last six decades,
Israel has developed missiles, both domestically and through collaboration with
allies, notably the United States, and even exports them. Notable missiles in
Israel’s arsenal include the Delilah, Gabriel, Jericho series, and Popeye,
among others. Israel's "Iron Dome" defense system, however, stands as
a unique asset, effectively intercepting a range of incoming threats, including
rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah.
According to
Israeli missile defense engineer Uzi Rubin, the Iron Dome is unmatched
worldwide, serving as a reliable short-range defense system. Conversely, Iran,
a larger nation by both land and population, presents its own advantages.
However, comparing these factors alone doesn't directly translate to greater
military power. Israel allocates substantial funds to its defense budget—nearly
$24 billion compared to Iran's $10 billion—enhancing its technological and
defensive superiority.
While Iran
has approximately 610,000 active military personnel, significantly more than
Israel's 170,000, Israel excels in advanced technology and air force
capabilities, boasting 241 fighter jets and 48 attack helicopters compared to
Iran's 186 jets and 13 helicopters. Iran has focused heavily on missile and
drone capabilities, producing both short- and long-range options. These have
occasionally appeared in regional conflicts, including missile strikes
attributed to Iranian support in Yemen.
Key missiles
in Iran's inventory include the Shihab series, capable of up to 2,000
kilometers, and the Zolfaghar, which can target at ranges up to 700 kilometers.
Recently, Iran added the Fateh-110 hypersonic missile with a range of 300-500
kilometers, marking advancements in its missile technology. Yet, while Iran has
launched hundreds of missiles, Israel’s history of guerrilla operations on
foreign soil showcases a tactical edge.
In terms of
cyber warfare, both nations engage heavily, though Israel’s advanced digital
infrastructure presents vulnerabilities against Iran's cyber capabilities,
balancing the technological disparities with cyber strategies. This
sophisticated and multifaceted rivalry between Iran and Israel thus spans
missile technology, military budgets, and the shadowy domain of cyber defense,
shaping their regional standoff.
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