Discord in Tehran: Iranian proxies resist calls for delayed attacks on Israel
In a surprising turn of events, Iran is exerting significant pressure on Hamas and Hezbollah to delay any planned attacks on Israel.
An Israeli Air Force F-35 fighter jet flies during an aerial show at the Hatzerim Air Base in the Negev desert, December 29, 2016. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90
This move comes amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations in Gaza, which are set to commence in Qatar on Thursday. The push for a delay appears to be part of a broader strategy to avoid a severe Israeli retaliation that could impact Iranian interests.
Reports indicate that a crucial coordination meeting was held in Tehran on Sunday, following the recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s “Defense Minister” Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Israel confirmed killing Shukr in an airstrike but has neither confirmed nor denied a role in Haniyeh’s death.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various Iranian proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, and Iraqi Shi’ite militias. However, the gathering ended in discord and disarray.
According to sources, Iran insisted that patience was required in response to the assassinations, proposing a phased approach to retaliation and psychological warfare. But this stance infuriated the Hamas and Hezbollah representatives, some of whom angrily left the meeting in protest.
Iran’s strategy of delay is reportedly driven by fears of a substantial Israeli backlash that could damage Iranian infrastructure. On Wednesday, a cyberattack crippled the Central Bank of Iran and other Iranian banks, in what was said to be one of the largest cyberattacks in Iranian history.
Of particular concern to Iran is the possibility of “independent” actions by proxy groups, reminiscent of Hamas’s uncoordinated attack on October 7. Hezbollah suggested that its operatives might act independently if its demands were not met.
Another proposal discussed was the terror groups targeting Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, contingent on Iran bearing the consequences.
Outwardly, Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, has justified the delay by claiming the uncertainty is part of the retribution.
Further complicating the situation, Iran also proposed a total ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as part of a broader negotiation strategy. This proposal aims to align with the ongoing cease-fire discussions and possibly delay the response to the assassinations in Tehran and Beirut.
Meanwhile, Arab sources reveal that the Iranian president has communicated to the United States a willingness to delay retaliatory actions in exchange for progress on the Gaza cease-fire. This has prompted increased American pressure on Israel, including high-level discussions and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation.
At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 111 remaining hostages, 39 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.
Nearly 80,000 Israelis were forced to evacuate their homes near the Lebanon border when Hezbollah began launching rockets and drones in October. Hezbollah leaders have said they will continue the attacks to prevent Israelis from returning to their homes. The attacks have killed 26 civilians and 18 soldiers on the Israeli side.
Israeli officials have been calling for Hezbollah to be disarmed and removed from southern Lebanon in accordance with UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 Second Lebanon War.
