Israel is currently involved in multiple conflicts with various non-state actors, many of whom receive backing from neighboring countries. Here’s a detailed look at the key entities involved in these hostilities:
Hamas
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist militant group based in the Gaza Strip, has been a persistent issue since 2008. Major escalations occurred in 2012, 2014, 2021, and the latest in October 2023. Hamas frequently launches rockets into Israeli territory, leading to retaliatory airstrikes by Israel. This cycle of violence has caused significant casualties and destruction on both sides(
Hezbollah
Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group based in Lebanon and backed by Iran, is another significant adversary of Israel. The hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have been ongoing, with periodic escalations. Since July 2024, the conflict has intensified, involving frequent rocket and missile attacks from Hezbollah and retaliatory strikes by Israel on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
Islamic Jihad
Another militant group involved in the conflict is the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, primarily operating from Gaza. This group also launches rocket attacks against Israel, adding to the volatile situation in the region
Syria
While direct state-to-state conflict between Israel and Syria is limited, Israel frequently conducts airstrikes within Syria. These strikes target Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah operatives to prevent them from gaining a stronger foothold near the Israeli border. The ongoing Syrian civil war has further complicated the situation, with various factions involved in the conflict
Iran
Although not directly at war with Israel, Iran plays a crucial role by supporting militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Iran’s support includes financial aid, weapons, and training, which bolsters these groups’ capabilities against Israel. Occasionally, direct military engagements, such as drone and missile strikes, also occur, further escalating tensions
Iraq and Yemen
In Iraq, several pro-Iranian militias operate with the aim of opposing Israel. These groups occasionally target US bases in Iraq and have made attempts to attack Israel, though mostly unsuccessfully. In Yemen, the Houthi rebels, also backed by Iran, have launched drones targeting Israel, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes. The complex dynamics in these countries add another layer to the regional conflict
Conclusion
The conflicts involving Israel are multifaceted, involving a network of state and non-state actors primarily driven by ideological and geopolitical factors. While Israel faces direct threats from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad, the broader regional dynamics involving countries like Iran, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen complicate the security situation further. These ongoing conflicts illustrate the intricate and often volatile nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
