It is quite something to think how two countries – Iran and Israel – have such bad blood. Perhaps no one knows how all that hate began in the first place. One thing that many people look for is the reason why two particular countries that are thousands of miles apart in terms of distance and caliber so much hate each other. However, let’s try to see it in black and white by analyzing the background and the political aspect of this relationship that complicates it.
A History Full of Problems
Before you start relating the problem of why Iran does not like Israel, you have to learn a little history first. This has been a standing animosity between these two countries right from some time back when some of us were not even born. The Jewish state was established in 1048 after World War II to accommodate Jews. Many Middle Eastern countries did not like this idea from the early decades. Iran did not have a passion against Israel like that at that time. Anyway, they had somewhat friendly relations during some period.
Nonetheless, there was a drastic shift shortly after 1979. This is the time the Iranian revolution occurred when the country changed from the rule of the Shah to a theocratic republic headed by Ayatollah Khomeini. This had a major effect on Iran’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel.
The 1979 Iranian Revolution
Iran used to have friendly relations with Israel before the revolution. They were even transferring oil and other products between them. Nevertheless, new Iran leadership after the revolution had a very pessimistic view on cooperation with Israel. Khomeini, the leader of the revolution, regarded Israel as a “Zionist regime” and was seen as an enemy of Islam. He also formed close relationships with many Arab countries, all of which did not recognize the existence of Israel. This was the time that saw Iran begin to actively declare its hatred for Israel.
Israel is the largest economy in Middle East
Iran also harbours such strong dislike for Israel, another member of the Middle East region. The Islamic Republic of Iran defends itself as a ‘leader’ of the Global Muslim community as it is a majority Shia Muslim country. However, Israel which consists of Jews as its major population, has some of the unstipulated religious and political views opposed to that of Iran.
Israel is an ally of the United States, though most countries in Iran consider the US a competitor. Iran was a common concern of interest to the U.S. and Israel in terms of the power the latter wanted to uphold in the Middle East, particularly with its nuclear capabilities.
Iran’s Support for Anti-Israeli Groups
The Iranian government has always backed organizations that are against Israel. For instance, the Hezbollah group in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. These two groups are therefore working hard to see to it that Israel has been destroyed. They get all kinds of support, financial, military, and even political, from Iran as part of its strategy to eliminate the state of Israel.
Iran feels that by backing such groups, they can soften the blow that is Israel and at the same time solidify Iran’s stance in the said region. These supporters have amplified the situation and enticed even more hatred from the sideline of Israel.
The Nuclear Factor
Nuclear weapons are something that is best not to mention, but let’s do it for a moment. Iran has been seen to be in capacities of trying to produce nuclear weapons, which has made Israel very sensitive. It is one of the few countries in the Middle East that is believed to possess nuclear weapons, and it considers Iran’s nuclear programme as a real threat.
Over the last few years, there have been so many discussions going around about the Iran nuclear program. While Iran argues that it’s for generating electricity, Israel is convinced the plan is aimed at wiping them out. This has only aggravated the tension between the two countries.
Statistics and Facts
If you look at the facts and figures, things don’t look good for the relationship between Iran and Israel. Let’s take a look at some statistics to understand the scope of the situation:
| Aspect | Iran | Israel | Impact |
| Military Spending | $7.3 Billion (2022) | $22.8 Billion (2022) | Huge military spending gap. |
| Nuclear Arsenal | No Nuclear Weapons | 80-90 Nuclear Warheads | Tension due to nuclear threats. |
| Support for Militants | Hezbollah, Hamas | No direct allies for militant groups | Proxy wars in the region. |
| Diplomatic Relations | None with Israel | None with Iran | No direct diplomacy, only indirect talks. |
| Regional Influence | Strong in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq | Strong in Syria, West Bank | Rivalry for regional dominance. |
Religious and Ideological Differences
Iran’s leaders do not only dislike Israel on a political level but also on an ideological level as well. The current [Islamic Republic of Iran really embodies a very specific form of Islam; and Israel – it’s a Jewish state it is beyond their scope. The current Iranian government despises Israel and regards the country as having been made up from the land that should belong to Palestinians hence is an ‘illegitimate state’.
Of course, this idea of ‘Palestinian rights’ is one of the main factors of why Iran is against Israel. Iranian authorities have constantly accused Israel of oppression of Palestinians and support movements that fight for Palestinian statehood.
The Role of the West
The third identified cause of conflict is regional, and it is because of the continued intervention of western countries, the United States in particular. Iran will always react negatively – even more so now, because it regards Israel as an agent of the West. All these years the U.S. and Israel have been good friends, and this makes Iran nervous. Regarding the concept of Western imperialism where Israel is perceived as an instrument, it can be seen to fit Iran’s perception of Israel.
Can Things Change?
Therefore, can relations of hatred between Iran and Israel ever change? That’s a tough question. It has been formed with many years of conflict, religious prejudice, and political conflict. But it could become better if we change the leaders or make progress in some negotiations about peace. But as of today it is hardly possible to imagine that Iran and Israel will ever become bosom friends.
- The conflict between Iran and Israel has been lasting for many years, though it began in the 1979 Iran revolution.
- The leadership of Iran perceives the State of Israel as Zionist regime and as an aggressor against the Islamic world.
- The nuclear race throws more fuel into the fire, as does Tehran’s support for anti-Israel militia.
- This is an additional complication due to the fact that Israel enjoys close ties with the United States.
- They are pretty much worse for wear but there is always the chance of relations improving but the prospects are unclear.n ideological threat.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is based on a very specific interpretation of Islam, and Israel, as a Jewish state, doesn’t fit within their religious views. Many in the Iranian government view Israel as an “illegitimate state,” believing that it was built on land that should belong to Palestinians.
This idea of “Palestinian rights” is a huge part of Iran’s opposition to Israel. Iran regularly criticizes Israel for its treatment of Palestinians and supports movements that aim to fight for Palestinian independence.
The Role of the West
Another reason for the ongoing conflict is the influence of Western countries, especially the United States. Iran sees Israel as a puppet of the West, and that makes them even more hostile. The U.S. and Israel have been very close allies for decades, and that makes Iran uncomfortable. The idea of Western imperialism, in which Israel is seen as a tool, plays into Iran’s negative view of Israel.
Can Things Change?
So, can this hatred between Iran and Israel ever change? That’s a tough question. The relationship has been built on so many years of tension, religious differences, and political struggles. However, things could potentially improve if there is a shift in leadership or a breakthrough in peace talks. But right now, it seems unlikely that Iran and Israel will ever be best friends.
Key Takeaways
- The Iran-Israel conflict goes back decades, starting with the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
- Iran’s leadership sees Israel as a “Zionist regime” and a threat to Islam.
- The nuclear race and Iran’s support for anti-Israel groups continue to fuel the fire.
- Israel’s close relationship with the U.S. adds another layer of complexity.
- Although tensions are high, there’s always a possibility for change, but it’s uncertain.
The statement makes you wonder why Iran hates Israel and did not have a clear-cut response to it. It is a combination of historical, political, religious, and world powers. Indeed, what is possible to say is that there are profound conflicts that have accumulated between the two countries and are not going to be resolved shortly. The best way to look at this is that there are many strands to conflict, and not just religion or geopolitics.
