NEWSLINE PAPER,- In a dramatic increase of hostilities, Iran responded to a fatal attack on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, by firing a torrent of missiles and drones against Israel. Although Israel hasn't formally acknowledged accountability for the consulate bombing, most people think it was its doing.
With this, Iran's first direct attack on Israel, their long-running dispute has dangerously escalated. Before then, neither country had publicly acknowledged its activities in a clandestine shadow war that targeted the other's assets.
The present increase in violence coincides with the continuing conflict in Gaza, which was started by Hamas's attack on Israeli settlements in October of last year. More clashes between the two sides are the result of the escalating dispute.
Since Iran's Islamic revolution of 1979, which brought in a government fiercely against Israel's existence, the two countries have been at odds. Israel has been called a "cancerous tumor" that needs to be removed by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on several occasions.
Iran's hostile language, backing of proxy groups dedicated to Israel's demise, and purported nuclear weaponry have Israel viewing Iran as an existential threat. Israel is wary of anything it sees as a possible nuclear danger even in spite of Iran's denials.
Senior Iranian commanders were killed in the April 1st air raid on its consulate in Damascus, which served as the impetus for Iran's retaliatory attack against Israel. Though Israel neither admits nor denies its role in the strike, Iran holds Israel responsible.
The consulate attack is a part of an airstrike pattern that is generally attributed to Israel and targets Iranian assets in Syria. These strikes are meant to thwart Iran's attempts to supply violent organizations like Hezbollah, which seriously jeopardizes Israel's security.
Iran calls this network of friends and proxies throughout the Middle East its "axis of resistance" against US and Israeli objectives. Among Iran's principal allies are Syria, Hezbollah of Lebanon, Shia forces in Iraq, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Iran has a big population and a formidable missile and drone arsenal. Nevertheless, unlike Israel, which has one of the most sophisticated air forces in the world, it is devoid of contemporary fighter jets and air defense measures.
Tensions are increased even further by both countries' nuclear ambitions. Iran denies wanting nuclear weapons but has been enriching uranium at levels near to weapons grade. Israel keeps a policy of ambiguity about its nuclear stockpile.
The terrible signal that Iran's recent attack on Israel conveys emphasizes the growing hostilities between the two enemies. Concerning the possibility of more violence in the area, both Iran and Israel appear ready to maintain their combative posture in spite of international attempts to defuse the situation.
(NEWSLINE PAPER/TEAM)