Escalating Conflict: US-Israel Alliance vs. Iran

The ongoing conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran has reached its third week, intensifying in scale and severity. This situation stems from strategic moves by Israel, a nation with a deep-rooted sense of being besieged since its establishment in 1948.

Israel's Strategic Position

Israel, leveraging its strong alliance with the United States, has become a formidable military power in the West Asia/Gulf region. Its advancements are supported by:

• A robust intelligence-gathering network.
• Technological partnerships with US tech and corporate giants.

However, Israel lacks spatial depth and demographic mass, which fuels its aspiration for a "Greater Israel" and a closer connection to the global Jewish diaspora.

Influence of the Jewish Diaspora

Globally, there are approximately 16 million Jews, with significant populations in Israel and the US. The Jewish community in the US wields substantial political influence, contributing to both major political parties and dominating mainstream media.

Shift in US Public Opinion

The continuous conflict, especially the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, is causing a shift in American public opinion, leading to increased scrutiny of the US's unwavering support for Israel.

Strategic Goals and Tactics

Israel aims to neutralize Iran as a regional power, backed by US military and economic support. The strategy includes convincing the US leadership of the potential benefits of overthrowing Iran's revolutionary regime.

Iran's Asymmetrical Strategy

Iran understands the strategic play and is countering with an asymmetrical approach aimed at:

• Exploiting vulnerabilities in the global economy.
• Disrupting the economies of Gulf countries and the global energy supply through strategic attacks.

Global Implications

The conflict affects global energy supply chains, causing inflation in the US and affecting its geopolitical standing. The US's position is undermined as its allies, including NATO, show reluctance to support its stance.

Impact on India

India, a strategic partner of Israel, faces challenges due to the conflict, including threats to its energy security and the safety of its diaspora in the Gulf. It may need to reassess its relationship with Israel to safeguard its own national interests.

Note: The views expressed are personal opinions of the author, a former foreign secretary, and do not necessarily reflect the stance of Business Standard.