Iran’s Support for Hamas and the Risk of Multi-Front Escalation
The recent attack by Hamas on Israel has ignited global outrage, particularly due to the massacre and kidnapping of civilians. The brutality exhibited by Hamas is deeply unsettling, with President Biden describing it as “pure, unadulterated evil.” This act of aggression transcends the borders of Israel, now impacting the entire world.
For Hamas and its supporter Iran, regardless of the consequences they may face in retaliation, this attack is already perceived as a brilliant and successful operation. In the annals of extremist Islam, this assault will likely be remembered as a David vs. Goliath triumph.
Hamas’s aggression has generated a sense of euphoria and invincibility among millions in the region. This sentiment is likely to expand the pool of extremist recruits for Iran’s jihad against the West, especially the “Great Satan” (U.S.) and “Little Satan” (Israel). These recruits could potentially evolve into the next generation of groups akin to Al Qaeda and ISIS.
Expanding upon the violence inflicted by Hamas on Israel in 2021, Hamas has strategically:
Exploited Israel’s internal societal divisions, political upheaval, and unstable governance to portray itself as Israel’s most formidable regional adversary.
Positioned itself as the forefront advocate for the Palestinian cause, thereby extending its political influence and attempting to supplant the Palestinian Authority’s leadership.
Elevated the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to a central focus in Middle East dynamics, with a clear intention of disrupting a U.S.-brokered accord between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Disrupting Israeli-Saudi cooperation also bolsters Iran’s regional influence, cementing its established corridor of power from Iraq and Syria to the Mediterranean. Hamas’ attack also provides inspiration to Iran’s other proxies in the Middle East, including Jihadists in Syria, Houthis in Yemen, and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Additionally, the Gaza conflict diverts attention from Iran’s ongoing efforts to develop a nuclear weapons program.
However, the repercussions of Hamas’ attack extend beyond regional adversaries; it represents a significant challenge for the free world.
The United States must now redirect its resources toward the Middle East, which could potentially reduce its focus on Ukraine to counter Russian actions, and the Pacific to counter China’s expansionist agenda. The U.S. has already repositioned the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier task force to the eastern Mediterranean, and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier group will now follow suit.
Considering Iran’s alliance with Russia, it would not be surprising if both nations were privy to Hamas’ plans for war. Russia acquires drones from Iran, essential for its conflict in Ukraine, and benefits from diverting global attention from Ukraine.
China also stands to gain from Middle East turmoil and the suspension of U.S.-Israeli-Saudi diplomacy. China seeks to expand its influence in the Middle East and benefits from any diversion of U.S. military resources to the Mediterranean.
Israel will confront this war on its own, as it always has, with the potential for significant human and financial costs. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas, asserting that Israel’s response “will resonate with Israel’s enemies for generations and change the Middle East.”
The free world must take heed. The radical ideology behind the 9/11 terrorism persists in groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and other Iranian proxies.
The United States must continue prioritizing the security of its citizens, both at home and abroad, and rally Western nations, as it did in the global war on terror, to counter Hamas.
Israel must also play its part in uniting the world against Hamas, recognizing that sympathy and goodwill are fleeting. Through diplomacy and public relations efforts, Israel should convince free nations that supporting the defeat of Hamas is in their long-term self-interest.
Hamas is no longer solely Israel’s problem, and eradicating Hamas as swiftly as possible is an imperative for the entire free world, not just for Israel.
