Netanyahu seeking all-out war
By Emad Abshenass
Middle East affairs expert
The Israeli regime claimed the lives of four Iranian military advisers, including Brigadier General Sadeq Omidzadeh, the intelligence commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, in yet another covert operation in Damascus, Syria. Terrorism runs deep within the core of Israel’s criminal regime, as evident from their recent acts of terrorism in Lebanon. The latest deadly airstrike came upon the heels of an Iranian missile attack on Israel’s clandestine intelligence center in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan, which dealt a heavy blow to the regime.
Israel was apparently seeking vengeance and aiming to make up for the major setback it suffered at the hands of Iran. The attack on the Israeli spy center in Erbil, which occurred six days ago, resulted in the loss of several Mossad operatives, including the commander of the agency’s foreign operations.
At the same time, Iran’s Armed Forces targeted the Daesh (ISIS) stronghold in Idlib, Syria, which was a breeding ground for Daesh terrorists who came into existence with the help of Israel and the United States. Moreover, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps struck a hideout of Jaish al-Adl, a group of anti-Iranian terrorists in Pakistan, who collaborate with Israel and the US. It is only natural for Israel to be infuriated by Iran’s vigorous acts against terrorists, especially the assault on the Mossad spy center in Erbil. Consequently, Israel resorted to assassinating Iranian military advisers.
This is only part of the story. The Israeli regime, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is under immense internal and external pressure. Despite carrying out destructive and genocidal attacks in the Gaza Strip for four months, the Israeli army has failed to achieve its stated objectives.
Netanyahu is acutely aware that the end of the Gaza war spells the end of his political life and that of his far-right cabinet. Hence, he opposes any cease-fire and resists calls for ending the war. Driven by warmongering instincts, the hawkish prime minister fears widespread internal protests and international pressure, which is why he insists on prolonging the war.
Yet, Netanyahu is not content with the conflict in the Gaza Strip alone; he is actively seeking a larger-scale war to involve the US and gain its support. He perceives a major war as a means to delay his own downfall. Therefore, the assassination operation targeting Iranian interests serves as a tactic to provoke Iran and coerce Tehran into entering a war with Israel. Netanyahu and his cabinet are well aware that their weary army lacks the power to fight on new fronts. Their hope lies in the US and the potential confrontation between Tehran and
Washington.
However, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not fall into Israel’s trap. Nevertheless, Iran’s intelligence and security forces will respond to this act of terrorism at an appropriate time and in alignment with Iran’s interests, once an investigation is complete.