Summary

The historical enmity between Israel and Iran escalated recently following an Iranian attack on Israel, a continuation of hostilities that trace back to Israel’s establishment by the UN in 1948, which led to regional conflicts and the displacement of Palestinian refugees. The latest increase in tensions comes after Iran held Israel responsible for an airstrike that killed several members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. In retaliation, Iran launched over 300 projectiles into Israel, mostly intercepted, with Israel now threatening further retaliation, raising concerns of a broader Middle Eastern conflict.

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Today, we are taking a closer look at the recent Iranian attack on Israel.

First, a brief 70 year history:

• In 1948, the UN created the Jewish state of Israel in the area that was then known as Palestine. The Arab League, including Iran, rejected the occupation, and subsequently attacked Israel the day after its founding. The war caused over 700,000 Palestinians to flee the area, settling in surrounding countries including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. 
• Since then, several small wars have been fought between Israel and the surrounding nations, one of which between Israel and Iran. Peace treaties were attempted many times, but none succeeded. 
•  From the 1980s to the 90s, Israel annexed East Jerusalem and created settlements in the West Bank. In 2007, Hamas gained control of Gaza with the intent to resist Israeli occupation, which caused a major flare in violence between Israelis and Palestinians. 

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So, why did Iran get involved now?

• Israel and Iran have been rivals since 1948, with the conflict being heightened since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. Throughout the conflict, Iranian-backed forces launched assaults on US military positions in the Middle East, saying they won’t stop until Israel stops their war in Gaza.
• But, tensions spilled over the edge when Iran blamed Israel for the airstrike that killed several important members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, as well as Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a top commander. 
• In retaliation, Iran launched over 300 projectiles into Israeli airspace last Saturday. However, the vast majority were intercepted by US and Israeli military forces before causing any damage. Since, Israel has promised to retaliate, though they haven’t taken any clear actions as of yet. Now, the world is waiting with bated breath as they watch the Israel-Hamas war spread into the rest of the Middle East, an outcome world leaders have been dreading.

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Founding of Israel and displacement of Palestine (BBC, Reuters)

Mid-20th century Israel conflicts (Reuters)

State of Israel and Palestinian territories 1980s-now (Al Jazeera)

Iran’s military attacks on US in Middle East (CNN)

Israeli airstrike kills Iranian top commander (CNN)

Iranian attack on Israel and retaliation (The Intercept, NBC)