Proxy Wars and Power Plays: The Complexities of the Iran-Israel Conflict

Introduction

Iran used more than 300 projectiles, including more than 120 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and almost 170 drones, to launch a massive strike on Israel. It was often believed that this move was taken in revenge for a deadly attack on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria.

Beyond earlier clashes between Israel and Hamas, the incident denotes a major uptick in the continuing war between Iran and Israel. This incident emphasizes the possibility of more violence in the Middle East and draws attention to the growing tensions between two of the most adamant opponents in the area.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a paramilitary group, launched these strikes in revenge for Israeli warplanes striking an Iranian embassy in Syria earlier this month. The strike was dubbed Operation True Promise by Iran.

What is the Historical Background of Relations Between Iran and Israel?

Pre-1979 Iran-Israel Ties:-

One of the first nations in the area to recognize Israel upon its creation in 1948 was Iran. The first Arab-Israeli conflict broke out in 1948 as a result of the Arab governments' resistance to Israel. Iran did not participate in the war, and following Israel's victory, it forged relations with the Jewish state.

As to a Brookings Institute report, Israel used the "periphery doctrine" during the tenure of its first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, to fight Arab hostility by building ties with Middle Eastern countries that are predominantly Muslim and non-Arab.

The 1979 Revolution:-

Iran became a religious state after the Islamic Revolution of 1979 toppled the Shah. Israel was now viewed by the authorities as an occupying force on Palestinian territory.

Ayatollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Israel in Iran, referred to the United States as the "Great Satan" and Israel as the "Little Satan," seeing both as countries meddling in the area.

Iran also aimed to increase its influence in the area by opposing Israel and Saudi Arabia, the two superpowers and US allies.

A Shadow War after 1979:-

The relationship between the two nations deteriorated as a result. Despite never having engaged in a direct military conflict, Iran and Israel have each tried to harm the other through limited strategic strikes and proxies.

To stop itself from developing nuclear weapons, Israel briefly targeted several institutions and nuclear experts in the early 2010s. It is thought that the US and Israel created the harmful computer malware Stuxnet in 2010. It was the first publicly known cyberattack on industrial machinery†and was directed against Iran’s nuclear plant in Natanz, targeting a uranium enrichment facility. Meanwhile, Iran is thought to be behind the financing and backing of several violent organizations in the area that are hostile to both the US and Israel, including Hamas in Palestine and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

What Significant Occurrences Set Up Iran's Attack on Israel?

• Withdrawal from Iran Nuclear Deal:- In 2018, Israel celebrated President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from Iran's nuclear deal with other world powers, referring to it as "a historic move" after years of campaigning against it.

• Iran's Army General assassinated:- Israel rejoices in 2020 after an American drone attack in Baghdad results in the death of General Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' foreign branch. Iran retaliates by attacking US military bases in Iraq with missiles.

• strike by Hamas Missiles:- The terrorist organization sponsored by Iran, Hamas, launched a missile strike on Israel in October of 2023. Israel attacked Gaza with airstrikes in retaliation.

• Israel Raids and Attacks Medical Institutions:- In November 2023, Israel began raiding and assaulting medical institutions since it was believed that Hamas was carrying out its warfare from these hospital structures.

• Red Sea Incident of the Houthi organization:- In November 2023, the Houthi organization, which is located in Yemen and is supported by Iran, made a helicopter landing on the Galaxy Leader cargo ship while it was travelling through the Red Sea. This initiated the 'Red Sea Crisis,' which ultimately resulted in problems with the supply system.

• Israel's military Offenses:- In December 2023, Israel stepped up its military offensives in the Gaza Strip quickly. As a result, both the death toll and the number of refugees rose. India encouraged the warring parties to reach an "early and durable resolution."

• Airstrike on the Iranian Embassy:- Seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard officers, including two senior commanders, are killed in what is believed to be an Israeli air strike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus. Israel did not acknowledge or refute its culpability.

• Iran's Missile Attack on Israel:- Iran attacked Israel with missiles in April of 2024. Allegedly, the incident happened in retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's embassy in Syria. This was the first time Iran had attacked Israel directly from its soil.

• Israel's Multi-Layer Air Defense:- According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 99% of Iran's inbound rockets were intercepted by the Israeli air defence system. Israel was also defended by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and other Middle Eastern friends.

Significance of Iran for India

• A Traditional Partner:- Iran has grown in significance recently and this will hold for the foreseeable future. It is a traditional partner.  As a result, this relationship has to be supported and maintained.

• Oil Provider:- Iran has been a significant provider of crude oil, notwithstanding difficulties brought on by US sanctions.

• Concerns about Terrorism:- In addition, both nations have common worries about terrorism that come from Afghanistan and Pakistan.

• Chabahar Port:- As part of a trilateral deal between Iran, Afghanistan, and India, India is operationalizing Iran's Chabahar Port, indicating the strategic importance of Iran to India.

• Given that Pakistan forbids Indian commodities from being transported by land, it serves as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Significance of Israel for India

• Strategic Importance:- India and Israel enjoy close strategic ties, particularly in the area of defence and security cooperation. Given that both parties were harmed by the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, both have serious worries about extremism and terrorism. Israel aided India in times of need, such as the 1999 Kargil conflict.

• Defence Importance:- India and Israel now have one of the finest ties possible, working together in a variety of fields with a particular emphasis on the supply of cutting-edge military hardware. Israel, like the US, France, and Russia, has become a significant defence supplier. Israel was a crucial ally in the supply of defence hardware, particularly until India attained independence in the defence sector through homegrown methods. Given that Israel is currently at war with Hamas and Hezbollah, it must avoid a protracted conflict with Iran.

Conclusion

As of my last update in January 2022, I'm unable to provide real-time news updates. However, if Iran indeed launched such a significant attack on Israel, it would undoubtedly mark a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

The deployment of over 300 projectiles, including drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, suggests a concerted and sophisticated effort on Iran's part. The purported retaliation for the strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, underscores the complex web of regional tensions and retaliatory actions.

This event not only surpasses previous skirmishes involving Israel and groups like Hamas but also highlights the confrontation between Israel and Iran, two major regional powers with significant military capabilities. The scale and nature of this attack raise concerns about the potential for further escalation and broader regional instability.

Such actions carry significant implications for the wider Middle East, as they have the potential to draw in other regional players and exacerbate existing conflicts. The situation underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.

In conclusion, if the reported attack did occur as described, it signifies a perilous escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict, with profound implications for regional stability. Efforts to defuse tensions and promote dialogue are essential to avoid further escalation and mitigate the risk of wider conflict in the Middle East.

Written by: Param Saket Sarang

Supervised by: Adv. Kalyan Khrishna Bandaru

Reference

• The Washington Post:- https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/25/iran-israel-nuclear-threat/
• Indian Express:- https://indianexpress.com/article/world/iran-israel-crisis-latest-developments-9287733/
• Live Mint:- https://www.livemint.com/news/israel-iran-war-gaza-khamenei-thanks-armed-forces-for-two-nations-tamp-down-broader-conflict-fears-10-points-11713833857771.html
• The Economist:- https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2024/04/24/how-iran-covered-up-the-damage-from-israels-strikes
• The Hindu:- https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/iran-israel-tensions-updates-april-15-2024/article68066872.ece