An article by: Ahmed Moustafa

Introduction

The relationship between the Western world and Israel is a contentious one, with the issue of support for Israel against Hamas being a constant source of debate. Western countries, primarily led by the United States, have long been staunch supporters of Israel, providing it with military aid, political backing, and diplomatic cover despite international criticism. This unwavering support can be seen as a struggle for the Western world’s agenda and power in the Middle East versus the new powers (China, Iran, and Russia).

One key reason for the Western support for Israel against Hamas is the fear of losing influence and control in the region. The Middle East has long been a strategic area for Western powers, with its vast oil reserves and strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa. By supporting Israel, the Western world maintains a strong ally in the region and ensures its interests are protected.

Furthermore, Western support for Israel can be seen as a means of furthering its agenda in the Middle East. Israel has long been a key player in the region, and its close ties with Western powers have allowed them to advance their interests.

However, this unwavering support for Israel has also been met with criticism and backlash. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in numerous human rights violations and civilian casualties, leading to accusations of Western countries being complicit in these atrocities. Many argue that the Western world’s support for Israel against Hamas is based on geopolitical interests, leading to growing tension and resentment towards the Western world in the Middle East.

Why is Netanyahu scared after the recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Consulate?

The Israeli attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus has sparked international concern, particularly among those involved in the ongoing conflict in Syria and Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is particularly concerned as the attack has escalated tensions between Israel and Iran, two bitter enemies in the Middle East.

The attack has taken the conflict to a new level, as it was a direct strike on Iranian territory, something that has not been done by Israel in recent years. This could potentially lead to retaliation from Iran, which could have severe repercussions for Israel.

Israel’s actions have also raised international concerns, with criticism and condemnation from countries like the US and Britain. The attack has been deemed a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, strained Israel’s fragile relationship with neighboring countries, and demolished any possible normalization with the KSA. This could potentially isolate Israel in the regional and international community and further damage its reputation.

The attack has also brought attention to Israel’s involvement in the Syrian conflict, which Netanyahu has been trying to keep under wraps. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes in Syria for years, targeting Iranian and Hezbollah positions. This attack on the Iranian Consulate has exposed Israel’s covert operations in Syria and could lead to further complications and backlash from the international community.

In addition, the Israeli public is divided on their support for the strike, with some praising it as a necessary measure for security while others criticize it for potentially provoking a war with Iran. Netanyahu must now navigate the delicate balance between appeasing his supporters and avoiding further conflict with Iran, as this unjustified attack could discharge him from leadership and permanently impact his offensive on Gaza.

Iranian media and top officials prepare the ground for an Iranian retaliatory attack against Israeli big targets

The attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of diplomats and civilians, has sparked a surge in rhetoric and preparations for a retaliatory attack against Israeli targets. The attack is widely condemned by the international community and seen as a direct act of aggression by Israel. Iranian media has pointed out the long-standing animosity between the two countries and accused Israel of trying to destabilize the region by targeting Iranian interests. This attack comes just days after Israel launched air strikes on Iranian targets in Syria, adding fuel to the fire.

Top Iranian officials have condemned the attack and vowed to take swift and decisive action against those responsible. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has issued a statement condemning the attack and calling for an immediate investigation to identify and punish the perpetrators. Defense Minister Mohamed Reza Ashtyani has also vowed to retaliate against Israel for their ‘cowardly’ act and warned that they will pay a heavy price for their actions.

The Iranian government has been working to rally support from other countries in the region, especially those targeted by Israeli aggression. They have reached out to Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, all of whom have condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Iran. The Iranian military has also been preparing for a potential retaliatory strike against Israeli targets, conducting military exercises and drills. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated as a terrorist organization by the US, has issued a statement vowing to avenge the attack and defend Iranian interests at all costs.

Israel has been always involved in supporting ISIS terrorist attacks against Iran and Russian forces in Syria

Israel has been involved in supporting terrorist attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) within Iran аor years. In June 2021, a senior Iranian official revealed that Israel had been behind several explosions at Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Natanz nuclear plant, causing significant damage to the facilities and slowing down Iran’s nuclear program. These attacks pose a threat to Iran’s national security and have the potential to escalate tensions in the region and lead to a full-blown conflict.

Israel has also been involved in supporting ISIS attacks against Russian forces, with evidence discovered in 2018 that Israel had been providing weapons and other forms of support to ISIS fighters in southern Syria. This support helped the terrorist group gain ground and carry out attacks in the region, causing chaos and instability. Israeli officials have openly admitted to providing medical treatment to ISIS fighters in their hospitals, further highlighting their involvement in supporting this terrorist group.

The reasons behind Israel’s support for ISIS attacks in Iran and Russian forces in Syria are multifaceted. First, Israel sees Iran as a major threat to its national security and has been trying to undermine their nuclear program for years. Second, Israel is wary of Russia’s growing influence and presence in the Middle East, and supporting ISIS attacks in the region could be seen as a way to counter this.

However, Israel’s actions have dangerous consequences not only for Iran and Russia but for the entire world. By supporting terrorist attacks, Israel fuels violence and instability in the region, which could potentially spill over into other countries. Additionally, their actions go against international laws and norms, as supporting terrorist groups is a criminal offense.

Will Iran retaliate against the recent Israeli attack on its consulate as it did before against US targets?

As tensions continue to rise between Iran and Israel, many are wondering if Iran will retaliate against the recent attack on its consulate in Damascus, just as it did against the United States in the Ein AlAssad base earlier in 2020 after the Assassination of General Qassem Solaymani. The Israeli attack, which occurred on November 17th, targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus, causing significant damage to the building. This is not the first time that Israel has targeted Iranian interests in Syria, as Israel has been carrying out airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias in the country for several years. However, this attack on a diplomatic mission has raised concerns about the potential for a larger conflict between the two countries.

The recent attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus by Israeli forces has once again heightened tensions between the two nations. This is not the first time that Iran has been the target of an attack by Israel, and it remains to be seen how Iran will respond. In the past, Iran has retaliated against the United States for similar actions, such as the attack on Ein AlAssad Base in Iraq.

This raises the question of whether Iran will choose to retaliate against Israel similarly. The attack on the consulate in Damascus has been seen by many as a direct provocation by Israel, and Iran will likely feel the need to respond in some way. However, the situation is complicated by the fact that both Iran and Israel have been engaging in a proxy war in Syria, supporting opposing sides in the ongoing conflict.

This makes it difficult to predict how Iran will choose to retaliate, as it may not want to escalate the conflict further in Syria. Additionally, the recent assassination of a top Iranian nuclear scientist has further fueled tensions between the two nations, and Iran may see this as an opportunity to strike back at Israel. It is also worth noting that Iran has been subject to numerous economic sanctions and political pressure from the international community, which may influence their decision on how to respond to the attack.

The US is tacitly desirous to discipline Netanyahu after the Israeli attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus

The recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus has sparked international outrage, with the US being one of the most vocal critics. The attack, which resulted in the death of several Iranian officials, has been condemned by the US as a blatant violation of international law and a dangerous escalation of the already tense situation in the Middle East. As a staunch ally of Israel, the US has faced pressure to take action against the Israeli government and its leader, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many in the US government believe that Netanyahu has gone too far in his aggressive actions against Iran, and they are now calling for discipline and consequences for his actions.

The relationship between the US and Israel has always been complicated, with the US providing significant military and financial support to Israel while also trying to maintain a balance in the region. However, the recent attack on the Iranian Consulate has pushed the US to reevaluate its relationship with Israel and the actions of its leader. Some top officials have called for discipline and consequences for Netanyahu, suggesting cutting or reducing aid to Israel as a form of punishment.

The US has also called for an independent investigation into the attack on the Iranian Consulate, arguing that it is important to determine the extent of Israel’s involvement and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. There is growing concern that Netanyahu’s actions could potentially lead to a larger conflict in the region, with devastating consequences for not only Israel and Iran but also for the US and other countries.

Neither Iran nor the USA is desirous to enlarge the scale of war in the Middle East

Tensions between Iran and the United States have been high for decades, with both countries engaging in military and political confrontations. Despite these tensions, neither Iran nor the United States is desirous to enlarge the scale of war in the Middle East. They are aware of the devastating consequences of war in the region, which has already been plagued by years of conflict, resulting in countless deaths and destruction.

A potential war in the Middle East could have far-reaching consequences, such as disrupting global oil supplies, impacting the global economy, and potentially leading to broader conflicts involving other countries. Iran and the USA have a clear advantage in a potential war, with the USA having superior military and technological capabilities, while Iran has a well-trained army and a strong network of allies in the region.

Additionally, both Iran and the USA have other pressing domestic and international issues that require their attention, such as economic sanctions, political tensions, and social unrest. A war in the Middle East would divert resources, attention, and efforts from these pressing issues, which neither country can afford at the moment.

Despite ongoing tensions, both Iran and the USA have shown a willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts and negotiations to resolve their differences, indicating a desire to find a peaceful resolution to their conflicts.

Current Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are the labor pain of a new world order with the new world powers

The events currently unfolding in Ukraine and Gaza are not merely isolated conflicts, but rather, they are the symptoms of a larger shift in the global power structure. The rise of new world powers, such as China, Russia, Brazil, Iran, and South Africa has challenged the dominance of traditional Western powers, leading to a power struggle and competition for resources and influence. This has created a volatile and uncertain international environment, with conflicts and tensions erupting in various regions.

In Ukraine, the struggle for power between Russia and the West has escalated into a full-blown crisis, with Russia which have turned Crimea into its own territory. This conflict is not just about Ukraine’s relationship with Russia, but also about the larger geopolitical competition between Russia and the West. The West sees Russia’s actions as a threat to its influence in the region, while Russia feels encircled by NATO and fears losing its strategic interests in Ukraine. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of lives lost and millions of people displaced.

Similarly, the situation in Gaza is a result of the power struggle between Israel and Palestine, with both sides vying for control and recognition. However, this conflict is also influenced by larger players, such as the United States and Iran, who support different sides for their own strategic interests. The recent violence in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of innocent civilians, is a tragic manifestation of this ongoing power struggle.

Both Ukraine and Gaza are just examples of the labor pains of a new world order, where the traditional power dynamics are being challenged and redefined. The rise of new world powers has weakened the dominance of the United States and other Western powers, leading to a more multipolar world. This shift has created a power vacuum, which has been filled by regional powers and non-state actors, further complicating the global landscape.

Moreover, the economic interdependence of countries has also played a significant role in these conflicts. As the global economy becomes more interconnected, the competition for resources and markets becomes more intense. This has led to countries using economic means, such as trade sanctions and energy dependence, as tools of power projection and control. In the case of Ukraine, Russia has used its energy resources as leverage, while in Gaza, Israel has imposed a blockade to exert pressure on Hamas.

In conclusion, The Western world’s support for Israel against Hamas is a complex issue involving power struggles in the Middle East. The recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus has caused fear and concern for Netanyahu, as it has escalated tensions with Iran, and international repercussions, and exposed Israel’s involvement in Syria. Israel’s involvement in supporting ISIS attacks in Iran and Russia poses a threat to targeted countries and has the potential to escalate tensions and spark conflicts in the region. The international community must take a strong stance against such actions and hold Israel accountable for its support of terrorist groups for peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond. The US is calling for discipline and consequences for Netanyahu’s actions, and both Iran and the USA are avoiding escalating violence in the region. The Ukraine and Gaza conflicts are symptomatic of a global power shift due to new world powers and economic changes. Leaders must find peaceful, constructive ways to manage these conflicts, fostering a more stable and just world order.

Director of the Center for Asia Studies

Ahmed Moustafa