The prospect of direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran is no longer unimaginable. Israel reportedly destroyed Iran’s air defense systems on October 26 in response to an Iranian large-scale missile attack earlier this month against Israel’s military bases.
In the aftermath of Israel’s attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for a balanced but serious response. He cautioned that while the direct attack should not be exaggerated, it must also not be dismissed.
Rising Geopolitical Risks
The latest spate of missile exchanges underscores the depth of irreconcilable goals that could set the stage for a larger offensive in nearby regions. The potential for miscalculation remains perilously high as neither of the heavily armed adversaries appears willing to retreat from aggressive posturing.
Israel’s actions have not been significantly curbed by Washington’s calls for moderation, highlighting a widening rift that leaves the United States isolated in a confrontation that could engulf the entire region. The danger of involving external forces in the conflict grows as the Pentagon declares its support for Israel’s right to self-defense.
Against this backdrop, Israel, a close U.S. defense partner and possessor of its own nuclear arsenal, is already engaged in intense combat with Hamas amid the devastation in Gaza. It is also facing escalating tensions along its border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah poses a constant threat.
A pressing concern is that with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced within Gaza and countless civilians in Israel and Lebanon bracing for increased violence, more deadly conflicts are likely to follow. Such developments could reshape the global political order.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
