Caught in the crossfire: Iran, Israel, and The World's Strategic Choices

OPINION The Iran-Israel conflict has once again escalated, raising concerns about the potential for a broader war in the Middle East.

- RASHEED KIDWAI

While Iran insists that it does not want a full-scale conflict, its actions seem contradictory, particularly in its attacks on Israel through proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel, in response, has demonstrated its military strength with advanced technology, but it faces challenges as it battles on multiple fronts.

As the world takes sides, the complex interplay of alliances and power struggles come to the forefront. India, standing firmly against terrorism, supports Israel, yet must carefully drive its diplomatic relationship with Iran.

Iran's Motive: A Show of Power & Solidarity to Hezbollah and Hamas?

One critical question arises: why did Iran attack Israel if it does not want a broader war? Could the attack be more about proving Iran's strength to its allies, Hezbollah and Hamas, rather than a direct attempt to engage Israel in a full-scale war? After the deaths of Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Qassem Soleimani, Iran may have felt pressure to demonstrate its continued influence in the region. This could be seen as Iran's way of asserting its power amidst the ongoing protests within the country, using Israel as a convenient target to distract from internal unrest and strengthen ties with its proxy allies.

Israel's Response: Retaliation with a Clear Motto

Israel's stance has always been clear: "Whoever attacks us, we will attack them." This guiding principle drives Israel's military strategy, and its primary concerns in this conflict are the release of the abducted hostages and ensuring the survival and future of the nation.

Israel's powerful defense systems and superior military capabilities have enabled it to retaliate effectively, despite the challenge of fighting on multiple fronts-from the Gaza Strip to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and potentially, Iran.