Israel is closely monitoring the ongoing protests in Iran, a nation it considers a significant adversary, but is unlikely to actively intervene to instigate regime change, according to former officials and analysts. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government views Iran, particularly its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as a major global threat, drawing parallels to Nazi Germany.
The two countries engaged in a brief but intense conflict last June, during which Israel, with limited support from the United States, conducted airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran responded by launching ballistic missiles at Israel. While Israelis would welcome the fall of the current Iranian government, the assessment in Jerusalem is that the regime is not on the verge of collapse and the current protests are not substantial enough to trigger such an event.
Israel's reluctance to act unilaterally stems from several factors. A direct Israeli attack on Iran is considered improbable unless it occurs within the framework of a U.S.-led operation or as a direct response to an Iranian attack on Israel. Furthermore, there are concerns in Israel regarding the potential repercussions of a U.S. military intervention in Iran, including the risk of a retaliatory war against Israel.
The complex relationship between Israel and Iran is rooted in decades of geopolitical rivalry and ideological differences. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran adopted a staunchly anti-Israel stance, viewing the country as an illegitimate entity and a proxy of Western powers in the Middle East. Iran's support for groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, both of which have engaged in armed conflict with Israel, has further fueled tensions.
From an international perspective, any Israeli intervention in Iran would likely be viewed with concern by many countries. The potential for escalation and regional instability is high, and the international community would likely urge restraint and a diplomatic solution.
Currently, Israel is maintaining a watchful stance, relying on intelligence gathering and diplomatic efforts to counter Iran's influence in the region. The future trajectory of the protests in Iran and any potential shift in U.S. policy toward the country will likely play a significant role in shaping Israel's approach.
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