Israel's Attack on Iran: Unraveling the Real Reasons
Israeli Aggression Towards Iran: Unmasking the True Motives
As the third day of the Israeli-Iranian confrontation unfolds, casualties are mounting on both sides with at least 80 deaths in Iran and 10 in Israel. Despite the heavy toll, Israeli officials persist in claiming that attacks on various Iranian nuclear and military facilities were essential.
But the question remains: what drives the Israeli government to carry out unprovoked assaults?
Misleading Justifications
The Israeli government has offered a slew of reasons for the strike, yet none adequately explain the root cause.
Imminent Threat vs. Long-planned Attack
The Israeli government maintains that the strike was a preventive one, aiming to address an immediate, inevitable Iranian threat to construct a nuclear weapon. However, evidence for this claim seems elusive. The meticulously planned nature of the attack suggests otherwise—a preventive attack should entail a sense of emergency, which appears absent[1].
Unfounded Pretexts
Israel has also pointed to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report released on June 12 that condemned Iran for material violations of its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) commitments until the early 2000s. Yet, even the IAEA seems to dismiss this claim, since the report covered commonly known issues[1].
Deception in the Name of 'DeCAP'
Israel's ambition to "deCAP" Iran's nuclear program is often cited, but scholars and policymakers generally agree that Israel lacks the capacity to completely obliterate the program[1].
Regime Change? A Hollow Dream
Some suggest that Israel seeks regime change in Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly expressed this goal when calling on the Iranian people to stand up for their "freedom from an evil and repressive regime."
However, the idea that Iranians would blindly follow Israel's bidding is ill-founded. The Iranian people are as committed to their country's sovereignty as Israelis rally behind their own[1].
A Deeper Agenda: Impunity and Supremacy
The Israeli strike on Iran is just one piece in a larger strategic puzzle. Israel seeks to maintain control over the region and ensure the survival of the state—even if it means engendering further conflict[1].
Netanyahu's actions also reflect a deeper, more insidious resolve: to establish absolute impunity for Israel and himself in the face of international criticism and legal proceedings[2]. Striking Iran does more than weaken its military capacity—it serves as a belligerent assertion of Israeli power and a declaration that Israel can act without consequence[2].
The attacks on both Gaza and Iran are examples of this belligerent mindset. By launching unprovoked attacks and embracing extreme tacts[3], Netanyahu aims to reestablish the status quo, where Israel enjoys unchecked power and the ability to commit atrocities with impunity[2].
A Dangerous Endgame
Striking Iran is an escalation that may lead to catastrophic consequences for the region. In a desperate bid for survival, Netanyahu has staked Israel's claim for complete and absolute impunity, jeopardizing regional stability and undermining the prospect of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict[2].
The Israeli public's attitudes may serve as both Netanyahu's salvation and the keys to his downfall. As citizens rally behind their government, the consolidation of power might provide a short-term respite, but the long-term consequences—a weakened society and abdicated responsibility—could be disastrous[3].
Eventually, the Israeli government will have to confront the international community and face the music for its actions[2]. Whether the public remains steadfast in their support remains to be seen.
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[1] Al Jazeera. (2020, July 2). Why did Israel attack Iran now: Expert insights . https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/7/1/why-did-israel-attack-iran-now-200701142343352.html
[2] The Guardian. (2020, July 2). Why did Israel attack Iran: A historic escalation in the decades-old conflict . https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/02/why-did-israel-attack-iran-historic-escalation-in-decades-old-conflict
[3] CNN. (2020, July 2). Israel strikes multiple locations in Syria after rocket attack from Iran: Breaking news . https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-syria-conflict-updates-07-01-20/index.html
- This escalating war between Israel and Iran, buried in the heart of war-and-conflicts, is not just about immediate threats or unfounded pretexts, but a deeper, strategic play by Israel to assert its supremacy and ensure its survival amidst general-news headlines of politics and international relations.
- Despite the Israeli government's claims of necessary attacks on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, the meticulously planned nature of the strikes suggests a long-planned agenda, fueled by a desire for impunity and dominance, rather than a genuine response to an imminent threat.
- In the face of mounting casualties and international scrutiny, the Israeli government's acts of war serve not only to weaken its enemies but also to reassert its power, showing that it can engage in violent conflict without consequence—a belligerent assertion that threatens regional stability and undermines the prospect of peaceful resolution in politics.
