Israel trapped in psychological warfare’s quagmire
This “assassination” strategy employed by the Zionist regime and its staunch ally, the United States, is less about showcasing achievements and more about finding an escape from the severe disarray in decision-making bodies in Washington and Tel Aviv. In the meantime, the Zionist regime, by leveraging Western media giants, seeks to wage a psychological war against the Resistance and ultimately, hide its own weaknesses in the Gaza war and surrounding developments. However, there are multiple factors at work that have turned this psychological war against them: the revelation of the United States’s intentions in supporting Israel’s genocide, Israel’s failure in achieving its intended objectives, the uncertainty within the American-Zionist front, the strategic ambiguity of the Resistance’s next moves, and the Resistance’s ability to take the initiative in the Gaza war.
By Faezeh Sadat Yousefi
Guest contributor
Fragile strategy to weaken Resistance
The primary goal of the Zionist regime in resorting to assassination is to project victory and dominance over the Resistance Front in the eyes of the public. However, many analysts view this move as an attempt to overcome the anguish caused by the lack of achievements during 10 months of intense bombing and killing of Gazans. In essence, assassination is seen as the only available option to compensate for the military and political defeats in Tel Aviv’s strategic circles.
Many political observers acknowledge that the outcome of the Gaza war, whatever it would be, will be a complete defeat for Israel. On the one hand, the regime cannot accept its defeat, and on the other, it is forced to negotiate with the Resistance. Thus, to avoid admitting its defeat, it resorts to assassination, mass killing, destruction, and devastation. Moreover, assassination plays a crucial role in igniting and reinforcing the Resistance’s motivation and that of the people, making it a catalyst on the warfront. Therefore, contrary to the belief of Israeli officials, assassination not only fails to be effective as a tool of psychological warfare against the Resistance but is also a clear sign of the declining military and political strength of both Israel and the United States.
Initiative in hands of Iran,
Resistance Front
The most pivotal factor driving the psychological war against Israel is the Resistance Front’s control over the initial calculations and decision-making power. In other words, the Resistance is acting, while the Zionist-American front is reacting. Being in anticipation of retaliatory attacks in response to their assassinations has created a hybrid war against the Israelis. Their inability to foresee these unpredictable developments has only added to their fear and psychological pressure.
Since the beginning of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, the Resistance groups have based their operations on a gradual and phased escalation of attacks. Over time, missile and drone attacks of Hezbollah and Yemen’s Resistance groups have penetrated the occupied territories more effectively as they showcase new advanced weapons such as Yemeni unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The Iraqi Resistance has also intensified its attacks on American bases in Iraq and Syria, with the recent attack on the Ain al-Assad base, which resulted in the killing and wounding of five American soldiers, serving as an example of the increasing assaults on the United States by the Resistance. These factors have not only created a deterrence effect in Tel Aviv but have also compromised their strategic calculations in the war.
At this point, following the assassination of Hamas’s political leader in Tehran, the Resistance has control over the rules of engagement. The strategic planning of Iran and the Resistance forces, combined with the current air of ambiguity and uncertainty regarding the nature and scale of their response, has instilled fear in the United States and its Zionist allies. As a result, the latter side is attempting to promote narratives such as “both sides should exercise restraint,” “tensions can be avoided,” “the world needs stability and peace,” and “the goal should be a cease-fire in Gaza,” alongside claims that “Israel has the right to defend itself”. This is part of their psychological operations aimed at deterring the Resistance from retaliating for Haniyeh’s martyrdom. Meanwhile, Iran and Hezbollah have emphasized their commitment to responding to Haniyeh’s assassination and severely punishing the occupiers.
Gaza cease-fire: New US strategy
After Iran and the Resistance Front officially announced their intention to retaliate against the Zionist regime, the United States, alongside Cairo and Doha, hastily devised a plan for a cease-fire in an attempt to overshadow this response. Soon after, the Israeli prime minister’s office issued a statement indicating that their representatives would be heading to Cairo to participate in discussions aimed at finalizing the details and implementing a “framework agreement”.
However, Iran’s stance on the cease-fire put an end to this American maneuver. The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations stressed that the recent terrorist act by the Israeli regime violated Iran’s security and sovereignty and that the right to self-defense is reserved for Iran. This, the mission added, is unrelated to the Gaza cease-fire, and Tehran’s response will be carried out in a way and at a time that does not undermine the potential cease-fire.
Failure of US strategies in West Asia
One of the roots of the current psychological warfare, strongly pursued by the United States, is its failure to implement its strategies in West Asia and the systematic decline of its influence in one of the world’s most strategic regions. This decline has been evident, both overtly and covertly, for decades, with prominent examples including the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the defeat of the global war against Syria. Operation Al-Aqsa Storm also marked a significant turning point in this downward trajectory, followed by the Resistance’s rise to establish security and stability in West Asia and to curb the Zionist regime.
Moreover, the growing public disgust in Arab and other regional countries toward US policies in support of Israel has impacted the effectiveness of US policies in the region. The US support for the crimes of the Zionist regime has clearly demonstrated to people and leaders alike the stark contradiction between America’s professed human values and its interventionist and warmongering approaches. This is evident in the repeated US vetoes of cease-fire resolutions in the UN Security Council, and the prolonged and fruitless cease-fire proposals put forth by the US government, which have only served to buy time for the Zionist regime to carry out massacres and genocide. Many experts believe that the US, as a supporter and even overseer, has the ability to pressure Tel Aviv into accepting a cease-fire, but in practice, it does not wish to do so.
Meanwhile, the extensive attacks by the Resistance on US bases and interests in West Asia, which pose a serious threat to Washington, have further diminished American influence. Overall, the United States, currently in disarray regarding its presence in West Asia, is now facing the rejection of public opinion and, consequently, psychological pressure from the people, the Resistance, and some regional leaders.
Yahya Sinwar’s leadership
intensifying pressure on Israel
One of the key elements that have put psychological pressure on the Zionist regime has been the surprising selection of Yahya Sinwar as the political leader of Hamas and the integration of the political and military branches of the movement in order to confront the occupiers. Now that the Zionist regime has failed to achieve its declared objectives, such as eliminating Hamas or even more modestly, containing Hamas, this news — indicating a more military-heavy approach by Hamas — has sent a terrifying message to them. Sinwar has seriously challenged all of Tel Aviv’s policies over the past 10 months, and his astuteness has kept the Hamas Resistance Front alive. Therefore, Yahya Sinwar is not only a heroic figure for Palestinians but also for all supporters of Palestine. He is the one whom Palestinians believe gives true promises; Sinwar stated in 2023 that he would soon confront the Israelis and lead Palestine toward liberation.
Fear in occupied territories result of psychological warfare
In conclusion, the impact of psychological warfare can now be seen in the occupied territories, where fear of Resistance attacks has become widespread. According to Zionist sources, all residents are anticipating an attack from Iran. In a document sent to the mayors of northern cities, officials have been asked to prepare for potential disruptions to water and electricity supplies, as well as for emergency rescue operations. The Shin Bet security agency has also opened underground bunkers for commanders and senior officials.