AVI ABELOW: Time to take down Iran's terrorist proxy network

Iran has long employed a strategy of asymmetrical warfare, utilizing proxy organizations like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza to exert influence across the Middle East.

Iran has long employed a strategy of asymmetrical warfare, utilizing proxy organizations like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza to exert influence across the Middle East.

The Middle East has witnessed a significant escalation in hostilities, particularly between Iran and Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, against Israel, but not only. The Iranian-backed Houthis have also been sporadically attacking U.S. and other nation’s ships at sea, disrupting world trade.

These developments underscore the urgent need to recognize and address Iran’s strategy in the region—a strategy that not only endangers Israel but also poses a substantial threat to American interests and global security. As the United States and other nations continue to appease Iran, instead of putting an end to Iran’s aggression, Israel must decisively confront and dismantle the Iranian network of terror proxies that endangers us all. This mission is crucial, not just for Israel’s survival, but for the security of the United States and its citizens.

Iran has long employed a strategy of asymmetrical warfare, utilizing proxy organizations like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza to exert influence across the Middle East. These groups serve as extensions of Iran’s military and ideological ambitions, effectively functioning as the tentacles of an “octopus” that seeks to destabilize the region. Iran’s ultimate goal is to extend its influence across the Middle East, weaken Western allies, and, ultimately, challenge the United States’ global dominance.

Iran’s recent escalation in violence against Israel via Hezbollah is an integral part of this strategy. Hezbollah, despite suffering significant losses in Israel’s bombing of its rocket launchers and munitions depots, continues to remain a potent force, acting as Iran’s frontline against Israel. The continued stagnation in the Biden administration-led ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas further illustrates how Hamas & Hezbollah are not independent actors but pawns in Iran’s broader geopolitical game. By sacrificing these proxies, Iran aims to maintain pressure on Israel and the West, thereby diverting attention from its own aggressive pursuits, such as its nuclear program.

The only way for Israel to effectively neutralize the Iranian threat is through decisive military action. Israel’s recent strikes against Hezbollah have demonstrated its willingness to confront this threat head-on, but more needs to be done. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) must continue to target and dismantle the infrastructure that allows these proxies to operate. This includes not just military installations but also the financial and logistical networks that sustain them.

Israel’s use of military force is not only justified but necessary. First, in order to provide safety to Israeli citizens and allow the 80,000 evacuated Israeli citizens from Israel’s Northern border to return to their homes in safety. Israel tried the international diplomacy direction back in 2006 and it has failed tremendously. UN resolution 1701 placed UNIFIL in charge of forbidding Hezbollah forces near Israel’s border and stopping all smuggling of weapons into Lebanon. UNIFIL never fulfilled its international granted duty and the international community never enforced the resolution. This is how Hezbollah created an army on Israel’s border with an arsenal of hundreds of thousands of longer range precision missiles aimed at Israel. Israel does not have the luxury of relying on the proven failure of international diplomacy to protect Israeli citizens.

On top of that, the Iranian regime has proven time and again that it will not be deterred by diplomacy or sanctions alone. The recent breakdown in ceasefire talks with Hamas highlights the futility of negotiations with entities that are fundamentally opposed to Israel’s existence. Therefore, Israel must act decisively to eliminate the threat posed by these proxies, thereby weakening Iran’s ability to project power in the region.

For the United States, supporting Israel in this endeavor is not just a matter of solidarity with an ally but a strategic imperative. Iran’s ambitions extend far beyond the Middle East; its leaders have repeatedly declared their hostility toward the United States. The Iranian regime views the destruction of Israel as a stepping stone toward challenging American power. Therefore, by supporting Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s proxy network, the U.S. is also protecting its own interests and the safety of its citizens.

American support should come in various forms, including military aid, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic backing. The Biden administration, despite its initial attempts to engage diplomatically with Iran, must recognize that a tougher stance is necessary. This includes imposing and enforcing stringent sanctions on Iran and any state or entity that aids its proxy network. Furthermore, the U.S. should continue to support Israel’s right to self-defense and resist any international pressure to constrain Israel’s military actions against Iran and her octopus of terror proxies.

Domestically, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could have significant political ramifications in the United States. The Democratic Party, which has faced criticism for its perceived leniency toward leftist activists and its handling of foreign policy, may attempt to adopt a more hawkish tone in response to the escalating situation. However, this shift could be seen as disingenuous, particularly given the party’s previous stance on Israel and its relationship with Iran.

Republicans, on the other hand, should remain consistent in their support for Israel and advocate for a robust response to the Iranian threat. They should emphasize the importance of a strong U.S.-Israel alliance and the need for decisive action against Iran’s proxies. This approach not only aligns with traditional conservative values but also resonates with a broader American audience concerned about national security.

Overall, world safety is dependent upon Israel using military force to dismantle Iran’s network of terror proxies. This is not merely an Israeli issue but a global security concern that demands American support. By backing Israel in this fight, the United States is also protecting its own interests and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The time for decisive action is now, and both Israel and the U.S. must be resolute in their efforts to confront and neutralize the Iranian threat.

Image: Title: iran proxies
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