Israel vs. Iran: Unraveling the Complex Ties as Israel Embraces Sunni Allies Amid Growing Tensions!
Israel’s most significant enmity lies with Palestine and Gaza, where it has been engaged in a long-standing conflict. The recent war that broke out in October was also rooted in this ongoing issue. While Sunni Arab nations have historically united in support of Palestine, Israel points to Iran as the culprit behind most regional turmoil, leading to the question: why has Israel come to view Iran as its primary adversary?
Historical Context of Israel's Relations with Arab Nations
Since its establishment, Israel has faced continuous tension and conflict with its Arab neighbors. After several wars, a significant diplomatic breakthrough occurred in 1979 when Egypt established relations with Israel. This was followed by the signing of a peace treaty with Jordan in 1994. A long hiatus ensued until 2020, when four additional Sunni Arab nations—UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan—normalized relations with Israel.
Israel has been actively strengthening ties with these Sunni countries. In a recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented two maps, highlighting Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon as “The Curse,” while showing Sunni nations as “The Blessing.” This imagery suggests that Netanyahu no longer views Sunni Arab countries as a threat.
The Role of Sunni Nations in Supporting Palestine
Throughout history, Sunni nations have played a pivotal role in supporting Palestine. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have consistently provided assistance to the Palestinian cause. Despite the tensions, Iran has not directly engaged in military conflict with Israel since its establishment. However, after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran began to vocally champion the Palestinian cause and has progressively taken a more aggressive stance.
Iran considers the United States as a primary source of tension in the Middle East and has viewed itself as responsible for fighting for Palestinian rights. This perspective has deepened its enmity toward Israel, which it labels as the "Little Satan."
Iran's Increasing Influence
As Sunni Arab nations gradually shifted from military engagement to diplomatic negotiations with Israel, the perceived threat from Iran intensified. Iran has bolstered Shia militias in the region and has reportedly provided arms to groups like Hamas in Gaza. Iran's continued support for these factions has made it a persistent thorn in Israel's side, especially on international platforms.
Some analysts argue that Israel and the U.S. aim to engage Iran in a way that allows them to directly address concerns over its nuclear program. By portraying Iran as a regional threat, they seek to justify potential military action against its nuclear capabilities.
Sunni Nations Also Affected by Iranian Threats
Iran’s ambition to expand its influence through Shia Islam in the Middle East and beyond poses challenges for Sunni nations as well. Some experts suggest that Iran has leveraged the Palestinian issue to enhance its popularity among Sunni populations. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei believes that the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine can serve as a unifying platform for Sunni and Shia Muslims.
The complexity of the Middle East’s political landscape reveals how historical tensions and shifting alliances shape Israel’s relationships with its neighbors. While Israel maintains diplomatic ties with several Sunni nations, its antagonism towards Iran underscores the challenges posed by differing ideologies and national interests within the region.
