Neither Missiles nor Assassinations: This Is What Really Makes the Iranian Government Anxious
Maariv, Israel, August 17
You don’t need to be an international strategist, a military expert, or a secret intelligence officer to understand that Iran has successfully built an extensive arsenal of long-range missiles, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and other projectiles with various ranges, including those capable of targeting the State of Israel. Afshon Ostovar, a renowned national security specialist and authority on Iranian military affairs, detailed Iran’s formidable missile and UAV capabilities in a comprehensive report for the Times. He highlighted Iran’s significant military prowess as the possessor of an extensive and diverse missile arsenal in the Middle East. While the State of Israel has conscientiously developed sophisticated defense systems, Iran has simultaneously invested in equally impressive offensive technologies. It is evident to any informed observer that Israel has the capability to retaliate effectively against Iran, with all the implications that entails. Currently, Israel is engaged in a multifaceted conflict against various proxy forces—including Hamas in the South, Hezbollah in the North, the Houthis in Yemen, and sleeper cells in Syria, Iraq, and the West Bank. This ongoing struggle inevitably keeps a vigilant eye on Iran, the mastermind behind these factions. Let us not forget where this all began. These were once days filled with optimism and hope—days that promised to reshape the Middle East through a process of peace, dialogue, and fraternity. The Abraham Accords, initially agreements between Israel and countries not directly bordering it, evolved into a significant milestone. It signaled an unprecedented movement toward ending the long-standing Arab-Jewish conflict, with the ultimate hope of a future peace agreement with Saudi Arabia, the most influential Arab Muslim nation. The stage, where the prime minister of Israel, the prime minister of Saudi Arabia, the president of the United States, and representatives from other Arab nations will one day stand, has yet to be determined. However, they will likely receive resounding applause when they sign a historic peace agreement that aims to eliminate wars, hatred, and enmity, paving the way for a new reality. Forces of peace began to emerge in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, fostering a dialogue of partnership and integration, replacing the discourse of hatred and violence. But then came the horrific massacre of October 7, when Palestinian terrorists acting under Iran’s influence, unleashed unspeakable violence. They brutally murdered children, elders, women, men, and soldiers, kidnapped civilians from their homes, and inflicted a level of devastation not seen since the Holocaust. Iran’s leaders, fearing the potential peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Israel and the other Gulf states, accelerated their scheme to destabilize the region and thwart the anticipated accord that could alter the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape. Such an agreement would have also shifted the narrative on the Palestinian issue, which had been sidelined in global discourse. Instead of celebrating on the White House lawns with moderate Arab leaders, Israel found itself deploying tanks, planes, and submarines to defend its citizens from terrorists. It is crucial that Israeli leadership does not grant Iran its anticipated reward: the breakdown of relations, the severance of the burgeoning ties between Saudi Arabia, moderate Arab countries, and Israel. Israel must persist in combating terrorism as if there is no pending peace agreement with Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab nations. In doing so, it must demonstrate resilience against Iran and its malignant proxies that aim to perpetuate a war of attrition. Israel’s strength and resolve will be tested against the looming threat of Iran. Though Iranian missiles and UAVs pose significant concerns, Israel’s defensive capabilities and its moral obligation to pursue peace with Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab nations will pave the way for a resounding victory over Iran’s fanatical leadership. —Nail Zoabi (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
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