DIMINISHING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL
In Israel, the calculations might be different, however. With international support for the country diminishing over its retaliation in Gaza after the Hamas attacks on Oct 7, 2023, the current Israeli government is under pressure both internationally and domestically.
Internationally, the tens of thousands of civilian casualties and the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in Gaza are at the forefront of the criticism of the Netanyahu government from its longstanding allies, in particular the US.
Directly related to the recent tit-for-tat with Iran is also the fear that the different crises across the Middle East could morph into a broader regional conflagration with potential for even wider escalation.
Yet, an escalating conflict that imperils Israel’s existence might also realign regional and global powers in ways that benefit the current Israeli government, diverting attention away from Gaza and supporting Israel in a more direct confrontation with Iran and its allies and proxies. The US’ and G7’s affirmations of their iron-clad commitment to Israel’s right to existence point in that direction.
Domestically, the Israeli government has been under significant pressure for its mishandling of both the initial attacks by Hamas and the subsequent hostage crisis. Any further escalation with Iran would likely have the effect of rallying Israelis around their current government at a moment of existential threat.
