Iran–Israel Relations: A Complex Tapestry of History and Hostility
The relations between Iran and Israel form a multifaceted narrative—a blend of historical ties, geopolitical tensions, ideological clashes, and proxy conflicts. From the early days of recognition to the present era of open hostility, the Iran–Israel relationship has shaped the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Let us unravel this intricate tapestry:
Four Phases of Relations
1. Ambivalent Period (1947–1953)
In 1947, Iran stood among the 13 countries that voted against the United Nations Partition Plan for the British Mandate of Palestine. Two years later, Iran again voted against Israel’s admission to the United Nations. However, Iran was the second Muslim-majority country to recognize Israel as a sovereign state after Turkey. During this phase, relations were ambivalent, with moments of cooperation and tension.
2. Friendly Period (1953–1979)
The 1953 coup d’état, orchestrated by Western powers, reinstalled Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as the pro-Western Shah of Iran. This event significantly improved relations between Iran and Israel. The two countries cooperated in various fields, including intelligence sharing and military matters. Israel regarded Iran as an ally against the Arab states.
3. Worsening Period (1979–1990)
The Iranian Revolution of 1979 dramatically altered the landscape. After the revolution, Iran severed all diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel. Theocratic Iran does not recognize Israel’s legitimacy as a state. The turn from cold peace to open hostility began in the early 1990s, as relative power in the Middle East shifted to Iran and Israel. Yitzhak Rabin’s government adopted a more aggressive posture on Iran during this period.
4. Ongoing Period of Open Hostility (1991–Present)
The conflict escalated in the early 1990s. Rhetorical conflict intensified during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who made inflammatory statements against Israel. Several factors contributed to the escalation of bilateral tensions:
- Iran’s development of nuclear technology relative to Israel’s long-stated Begin Doctrine.
- Iran’s funding of Islamist groups such as Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hamas.
- Alleged Iranian involvement in terrorist attacks, including the 1992 attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires and the 1994 AMIA bombing.
- Israel’s alleged support for militant groups like the People’s Mujahedin of Iran and Jundallah.
- Alleged covert Israeli operations in Iran, including multiple assassinations and bombings.
Since 1985, Iran and Israel have engaged in an ongoing proxy conflict that has significantly affected the geopolitics of the Middle East. This conflict has played out in various ways, including direct military confrontations between Iranian and Israeli organizations, such as during the 2006 Lebanon War. It has also involved cyber attacks and sabotage against each other’s infrastructure, including attacks on nuclear facilities and oil tankers.
Proxy Conflicts and Geopolitical Impact
Syria and Yemen
The Iran–Israel proxy conflict has influenced opposing factions in conflicts in Syria and Yemen. Iran has supported the Syrian government, while Israel has backed opposition groups. In Yemen, Iran has provided support to the Houthi rebels, while Israel has supported the Saudi-led coalition fighting the rebels.
Cyber Attacks and Covert Operations
The conflict extends beyond conventional warfare. Both countries have engaged in cyber attacks and covert operations against each other. Iran’s nuclear facilities and oil tankers have been targeted, while Israel has allegedly supported groups like the People’s Mujahedin of Iran and Jundallah.
Conclusion: A Perpetual Struggle
The Iran–Israel relations remain a perpetual struggle—a complex interplay of ideology, power, and historical memory. As the Middle East continues to evolve, these two nations remain entangled in a web of hostilities, with implications far beyond their borders.