Conflict in West Asia: Iran’s attack on Israel raises fears of a wider war
With its attack, Iran was able to demonstrate its fierce firepower, strike fear among some Israelis and disrupt the lives of many through school dropouts. | Photo: ANI
Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel early Sunday increased regional tensions and confirmed long-held fears that the war between Israel and Hamas would spiral into a wider conflagration. But Iran, Israel, the United States and Hamas also walked away with some gains.
Here’s a look at the consequences.
ISRAEL’S RESPONSE COULD RESTORE FAITH IN ITS ARMY
As more than 300 drones and missiles took off towards Israel in the early hours of Sunday, the country was able to successfully test its air defense system, which, together with the help of allies, blocked 99 percent of the projectiles and prevented any attack. severe damage.
In contrast, the Israeli army had suffered a painful defeat at the hands of a much less equipped enemy when Hamas stormed into Israel from Gaza on October 7. That was a major blow to Israel’s image as a regional military power and destroyed any sense of invincibility. The response to Iran’s attack could restore confidence in the country’s military, even as forces remain stranded in Gaza more than six months after Israel declared war on Hamas there.
Israel has also boasted about the coalition of forces it helped repel the Iranian attack. It is a much-needed show of support at a time when Israel is at its most isolated amid concerns about its conduct during the war against Hamas, including a worsening humanitarian crisis and a staggering death toll in Gaza.
IRAN SHOWS OFF ITS POWER
Iran repeatedly promised it would respond to an apparent Israeli attack on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus on April 1 that killed two generals. Sunday’s attack allowed Iran to show its citizens that it will not stand by when its assets are attacked and that it was serious when it threatened revenge.
With its attack, Iran was able to demonstrate its fierce firepower, strike fear among some Israelis and disrupt the lives of many through school dropouts. But because little damage has been done in Israel, Iran might hope that any response will be measured. Hours after launching the drones and missiles, Iran said the operation was over.
THE UNITED STATES STANDS WITH ISRAEL
The US played a key role in repelling the attack and showed its allies around the world the strength and reliability of US support.
As Israel questions how and if it will respond, that alliance will be tested, with the Biden administration seeking to exert its influence over Israel and prevent the country from mounting a response that could end the conflict worsen.
HAMAS CAN BENEFIT FROM IRAN’S DIRECT INVOLVEMENT
Hamas, which is backed by Iran, welcomed the attack on Israel. Since the October 7 attack, Hamas had hoped that regional partners would come to its aid and drag Israel into a broader war. While some have done so, including Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Yemen’s Houthis, Iran had only entered the fighting directly on Sunday.
Hamas may hope that the attack is the first salvo in a deeper Iranian involvement in the war in Gaza. It could also hope that violence continues to rise in the West Bank, where an Israeli teenager was killed and settlers rampaged in Palestinian towns. At the very least, Iran’s attack may have emboldened Hamas to keep an eye on the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, hoping that increased military pressure on Israel would lead the country to accept the militants’ tougher terms. group would accept for an agreement.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: April 14, 2024 | 4:46 pm IST