The Roots of Animosity: Why Iran Opposes Israel Since the 1979 Revolution

Before 1979, Iran under the Shah and Israel maintained a strategic, if quiet, alliance. Both nations, wary of Arab nationalism and Soviet influence, found common ground in shared regional interests. However, the 1979 Islamic Revolution fundamentally reshaped Iran's foreign policy, transforming Israel from a de facto ally into a declared enemy. This shift, driven by ideological, political, and strategic factors, underpins the enduring animosity between the two nations. This article explores the core reasons behind Iran's post-revolutionary opposition to Israel.

Ideological Foundations of Anti-Zionism

1. Khomeini's Anti-Imperialist and Anti-Zionist Doctrine

• "Great Satan" and "Little Satan": Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the spiritual leader of the revolution, declared the United States the "Great Satan" and Israel the "Little Satan." This designation positioned both nations as symbols of Western imperialism and oppression against the Muslim world.
• Support for Palestinian Cause: Khomeini integrated the Palestinian cause into the core of the Islamic Revolution's ideology. He viewed Israel's existence as an illegitimate occupation of Muslim lands and a direct affront to Islamic principles. This stance transcended mere political support, becoming a religious and moral imperative for the new Islamic Republic.

2. Pan-Islamism and the Rejection of Western Influence

The revolutionary government sought to unify the Muslim world under a pan-Islamic banner, rejecting what it perceived as Western dominance and secular nationalism. Israel, closely allied with the U.S. and seen as a Western outpost in the Middle East, became a prime target for this ideological opposition.

Strategic and Political Drivers of Hostility

1. Regional Hegemony and the "Axis of Resistance"

• Counterbalancing U.S. Influence: Iran views its opposition to Israel as part of a broader strategy to diminish American influence in the Middle East and assert its own regional leadership. By challenging Israel, Iran directly confronts a key U.S. ally.
• Forming Alliances: Iran has fostered what it calls an "Axis of Resistance," comprising state and non-state actors (e.g., Syria, Hezbollah, Hamas, and various Iraqi militias) united by their opposition to Israel and the U.S. This network allows Iran to project power and exert pressure on Israel without direct confrontation.

2. Support for Anti-Israel Proxy Groups

A cornerstone of Iran's anti-Israel strategy is its extensive support for proxy groups. These include:

• Hezbollah in Lebanon: Established with Iranian backing in the 1980s, Hezbollah has become a formidable military and political force, engaging in conflicts with Israel, most notably the 2006 Lebanon War. Iran provides financial, military, and training support to Hezbollah.
• Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza: Iran provides varying levels of support to these Palestinian factions, which frequently engage in conflict with Israel. This support allows Iran to influence events in the Palestinian territories and maintain pressure on Israel's borders.
• Other Regional Militias: Iran supports various Shiite militias in Iraq and the Houthis in Yemen, some of whom have also engaged in rhetoric and actions against Israel, further extending Iran's reach.

3. Perceived Threat to National Security

Iran views Israel's military capabilities, particularly its undeclared nuclear arsenal and its close intelligence ties with the U.S., as a direct threat to its national security. This perception is exacerbated by Israel's reported covert operations targeting Iran's nuclear program and military installations in Syria.

Ongoing Tensions and Future Outlook

The animosity between Iran and Israel manifests in a "shadow war" involving cyberattacks, proxy conflicts, and targeted assassinations. Both nations engage in a delicate balance, avoiding full-scale direct military conflict while continually seeking to undermine each other's regional influence and strategic capabilities. Iran's sustained rhetorical and material support for anti-Israel forces ensures that this deep-seated antagonism remains a central feature of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Conclusion

Iran's post-revolutionary opposition to Israel is a multifaceted phenomenon rooted in a powerful mix of religious ideology, revolutionary principles, and strategic ambitions. The transformation from an implicit alliance to outright hostility has profoundly shaped the Middle East, creating a persistent flashpoint. Understanding these complex motivations is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of regional conflicts. How might a shift in Iranian leadership alter its stance toward Israel? Share your thoughts with our AI assistant!

References

• [1] Council on Foreign Relations. (2023). Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/irans-revolutionary-guards
• [2] BBC News. (2024). Hezbollah: What is Lebanon's powerful armed group? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67057760