Why Does Iran Want to Destroy Israel?

Tensions in the Middle East are high once again. The Islamic Republic of Iran has threatened to strike Israel after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which they blame on Israel. On April 13, earlier this year, Iran even fired ballistic missiles into Israel. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has been very hostile to Israel. This raises a big question: Why does Iran want to destroy Israel?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the military parade (Wikimedia)

A Friendship Turned into Hostility

To understand the current hostility, we need to look back at history. Before 1979, Iran and Israel were actually partners. Under the rule of the Shah, Iran and Israel had good relations. They cooperated on various fronts, including military and economic matters. The Shah's Iran worked with Israel and even supplied it with oil.

However, this friendship ended abruptly with the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The revolution brought Ayatollah Khomeini (don't confuse Khomeini with today's Khamenei), who had been exiled in France, to power and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khomeini’s regime saw Israel as an enemy, labeling it the "Little Satan" while calling the United States the "Great Satan."

Khomeini landing in Iran, 1979 (Public domain)

Ideological Reasons

Khomeini’s views were deeply rooted in Islamic revolutionary ideology. He believed that Israel was a colonial outpost and a tool of Western powers, particularly the United States. This ideology has been passed down through the years and remains central to Iran’s foreign policy. However, this view is fundamentally flawed. Israel is not a colonial outpost; it is the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people, with a continuous Jewish presence in the region for thousands of years. The modern state of Israel is a re-establishment of Jewish sovereignty in their indigenous land.

The current Islamic leadership in Iran views Israel as a major obstacle to its ambitions of regional dominance. By presenting itself as the foremost opponent of Israel, Iran seeks to assert its leadership within the Muslim world - and further spread their Shiite revolution. This aggressive stance enables Iran to rally support from various militant groups and factions that share its anti-Israel sentiments, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, solidifying its influence and control in the region.

One notable quote from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, about Israel is: "Israel is a malignant cancerous tumor that must be removed and eradicated: it is possible, and it will happen." This quote reflects the extreme hostility of the Iranian leadership towards Israel.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left), Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah (center), and Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani (right). This photo is believed to have been taken in Tehran (Wikimedia)

Political and Strategic Motives

Iran’s hostility towards Israel also serves political purposes. The regime faces many internal problems, such as economic difficulties and political unrest. By focusing on Israel as an external enemy, the Islamic government attempts to unite its people and distract them from these internal issues.

Moreover, Iran uses proxy warfare to fight Israel indirectly. It supports groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, Houthis in Yemen, and Iraqi Shiite militias with money, weapons, and training. These groups carry out attacks against Israel, allowing Iran to maintain a state of conflict without direct military confrontation.

The Iranian People vs. The Regime

It’s important to separate the Iranian government from the Iranian people. Many Iranians do not support their government’s extremist views or its focus on destroying Israel. In fact, there is significant opposition within Iran against the Ayatollah's rule.

The Iranian people have shown their desire for change through numerous protests despite facing brutal crackdowns. They suffer under economic sanctions and political repression, and many are frustrated with their government’s spending on foreign conflicts instead of improving conditions at home. The Iranian people know that the root of their problems lies not in Israel but in Tehran - it is the dictatorial rule of the radical Islamists.

Uprising in Tehran, Keshavarz Boulvard September 2022 (Wikimedia)

A Biblical Perspective

The Bible provides insight into the conflict between Israel and its enemies. In Psalm 83:4, it says, "Come, they say, let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more." This verse hits at the heart of the struggle, reflecting the age-old desire to erase Israel. However, Israel has shown remarkable resilience and continues to thrive despite numerous challenges. No matter how hard the Islamic regime tries to destroy Israel - they keep on failing, and guess what? They will keep on failing.

The growing dissatisfaction among the Iranian people also offers hope for change. The international community should support Iranians in their quest for freedom and a better life. By doing so, we can help weaken the regime’s aggressive policies and promote peace in the region.

Iran’s desire to destroy Israel is driven by a mix of historical, ideological, strategic, and political reasons. While the regime poses a significant threat, we must remember that the Iranian people are different from their government. They seek peace, prosperity, and freedom from oppression

Iran solidairty protests 22 October 2022 in Berlin (Wikimedia)

As we face these turbulent times, let us pray for the safety and security of Israel and the liberation and well-being of the Iranian people. Psalm 122:6 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." Through unity, resilience, and a commitment to justice, we can overcome hatred and build a brighter future for all.

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