Iran–Israel proxy conflict

Iran–Israel proxy conflict

Israel and Iran in the Middle East
DateAugust 2005–present
LocationMiddle East
Status

Tensions increasing:

Belligerents

 Iran
Proxies:

Supported by:

 Israel
Proxies:

Supported by:

Commanders and leaders
Iran Ali Khamenei (2005-present)
Iran Hassan Rouhani (2013-present)
Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (2005-2013)
Iran Qasem Soleimani (2005-present)
Hassan Nasrallah (2005-present)
Syria Bashar al-Assad (2005-present)
Sudan Omar al-Bashir (2005-present)		 Israel Benjamin Netanyahu (2009-present)
Israel Reuven Rivlin (2014-present)
Israel Ariel Sharon (2005-2006)
Israel Moshe Katsav (2005-2007)
Israel Ehud Olmert (2006-2009)
Israel Shimon Peres (2007-2014)
United States George W. Bush (2005-2009)
United States Barack Obama (2009-present)
Saudi Arabia Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (2005-2015)
Saudi Arabia Salman of Saudi Arabia (2015-present)
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev (2005-present)

The Israel–Iran proxy conflict[35] or Israeli-Iranian proxy war[36] is the ongoing indirect conflict between Israel and Iran. The conflict is bound in the political struggle of Iranian leadership against Israel and the counter aim of Israel to prevent alleged nuclear weapons from the Iranian government and downgrading its allies and proxies such as Hezbollah party in Lebanon. Iranian forces are operating in Syria in support of Bashar al-Assad's government.[37][38] Israel is providing medical treatment for rebels in Syria.[39][40][41]

Israel and Syria have observed a truce since Israel seized most of the Golan Heights in the 1967 war, but the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has led to several incidents of fire exchange across the once-peaceful borders. The Israeli military is reportedly preparing itself for potential threats should there be a power vacuum in Syria. "After Assad and after establishing or strengthening their foothold in Syria they are going to move and deflect their effort and attack Israel," an Israeli official told The Associated Press in January 2014. Some experts say that while the encroaching militant forces on Israel's border will heighten security measures, the advancements are not likely to create significant changes to Israel’s policy disengagement in the Syria crisis.[42]

Iran, in contact with the U.S. over the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has said that Israel would be at risk if the U.S. and its coalition sought to topple Assad.[43] Hezbollah’s October 7, 2014 attack on Israeli forces, its first declared such operation since 2006, proved the seriousness of the threat.[44] Though the Islamic Republic of Iran has been known for its anti-Israeli stance from the very beginning, its continuous support for Hezbollah evolved into almost a direct confrontation with Israel, as Revolutionary Guards have allegedly infiltrated Lebanon and directly supported Hezbollah during the past decade. The Hamas-dominated Gaza had also been considered a proxy of Iran.[45]

Background

Main articles: Iran–Israel relations and South Lebanon conflict (1982–2000)

Iranian–Israeli relations have shifted from close ties between Israel and Iran during the era of the Pahlavi dynasty to hostility since the Islamic Revolution. Iran has severed all diplomatic and commercial ties with Israel, and its government has not recognized Israel as a state, referring to its government as the "Zionist regime".

The 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon resulted in the Palestine Liberation Organization's (PLO) departure from Lebanon. The following creation of Security Zone in South Lebanon has benefited Israeli allies in Lebanon and civilian Israeli population, as Galilee suffered less violent attacks by Hezbollah, than previously by PLO in the 1970s (hundreds of Israeli civilian casualties). Despite this Israeli success in eradicating PLO bases and partial withdraw in 1985, the Israeli invasion had actually increased the severity of conflict with local Lebanese militias and resulted in the consolidation of several local Shia Muslim movements in Lebanon, including Hezbollah and Amal, from a previously unorganized guerrilla movement in the south. Over the years, military casualties of both sides grew higher, as both parties used more modern weaponry, and Hezbollah progressed in its tactics.

Iran supplied the militant organization Hezbollah with substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid while persuading Hezbollah to take an action against Israel.[46][47][48] Hezbollah's 1985 manifesto listed its four main goals as "Israel's final departure from Lebanon as a prelude to its final obliteration"[49] According to reports released in February 2010, Hezbollah received $400 million from Iran.[47] By the early 1990s, Hezbollah, with support from Syria and Iran, emerged as the leading group and military power, monopolizing the directorship of the guerrilla activity in South Lebanon.

In one of the region's oddest pairings, Israel and the Gulf Arab states led by Saudi Arabia increasingly are finding common ground — and a common political language — on their mutual dismay over the prospect of a nuclear deal in Geneva that could curb Tehran's atomic program but leave the main elements intact, such as uranium enrichment.[50] In January 2014 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Iran's nuclear program would only be set back six weeks as a result of its interim agreement with the international community.[51]

History

Iranian aid to Hezbollah and Hamas

2005

With the election of Iranian hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005, relations between Iran and Israel became increasingly tense as the countries engaged in a series of proxy conflicts and covert operations against each other.

2006–2007

During the 2006 Lebanon War, Iranian Revolutionary Guards were believed to have directly assisted Hezbollah fighters in their attacks on Israel. Multiple sources suggested that hundreds of Revolutionary Guard operatives participated in the firing of rockets into Israel during the war, and secured Hezbollah's long-range missiles. Revolutionary Guard operatives were allegedly seen operating openly at Hezbollah outposts during the war. In addition, Revolutionary Guard operatives were alleged to have supervised Hezbollah's attack on the INS Hanit with a C-802 anti-ship missile. The attack severely damaged the warship and killed four crewmen. It is alleged that between six and nine Revolutionary Guard operatives were killed by the Israeli military during the war. According to the Israeli media their bodies were transferred to Syria and from there, flown to Tehran.[52] On 6 September 2007, Israeli Air Force destroyed a suspected nuclear reactor in Syria.

2008–2009

During and immediately after the Gaza War, the Israeli Air Force, with the assistance of Israeli commandos, was reported to have allegedly carried out three airstrikes against Iranian arms being smuggled to Hamas through Sudan, as Iran launched an intensive effort to supply Hamas with weapons and ammunition. Israel hinted that it was behind the attacks. Two truck convoys were destroyed, and an arms-laden ship was sunk in the Red Sea.[18][53]

On 4 November 2009, Israel captured a ship in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and its cargo of hundreds of tons of weapons allegedly bound from Iran to Hezbollah.

2010

In 2010, a wave of assassinations targeting Iranian nuclear scientists began. The assassinations were widely believed to be the work of Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence service. According to Iran and global media sources, the methods used to kill the scientists is reminiscent of the way Mossad had previously assassinated targets. The assassinations were alleged to be an attempt to stop Iran's nuclear program, or to ensure that it cannot recover following a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.[54] In the first attack, particle physicist Masoud Alimohammadi was killed on 12 January 2010 when a booby-trapped motorcycle parked near his car exploded. On 12 October 2010, an explosion occurred at an IRGC military base near the city of Khorramabad, killing 18 soldiers.[55] On 29 November 2010, two senior Iranian nuclear scientists, Majid Shahriari and Fereydoon Abbasi, were targeted by hitmen on motorcycles, who attached bombs to their cars and detonated them from a distance. Shahriari was killed, while Abbasi was severely wounded. On 23 July 2011, Darioush Rezaeinejad was shot dead in eastern Tehran. On 11 January 2012, Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan and his driver were killed by a bomb attached to their car from a motorcycle.[56]

In June 2010 Stuxnet, an advanced computer worm was discovered. It is believed that it had been developed by US and Israel to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.[57] In a study conducted by ISIS it is estimated that Stuxnet might have damaged as many as 1,000 centrifuges (10% of all installed) in the Natanz enrichment plant.[58] Other computer viruses and malware, including Duqu and Flame, were reportedly related to Stuxnet.[59][60] Iran claims that its adversaries regularly engineer sales of faulty equipment and attacks by computer viruses to sabotage its nuclear program.[61][62][63]

2011

On 15 March 2011, Israel seized a ship from Syria bringing Iranian weapons to Gaza.[64] In addition, the Mossad was also suspected of being responsible for an explosion that reportedly damaged the nuclear facility at Isfahan. Iran denied that any explosion had occurred, but The Times reported damage to the nuclear plant based on satellite images, and quoted Israeli intelligence sources as saying that the blast indeed targeted a nuclear site, and was "no accident".[65] Hours after the blast took place, Hezbollah fired two rockets into northern Israel. The Israel Defense Forces reacted by firing four artillery shells at the area from where the launch originated. It was speculated that the attack was ordered by Iran and Syria as a warning to Israel.[66] The Israeli attack was reported to have killed 7 people, including foreign nationals.[67] Another 12 people were injured, of whom 7 later died in hospital.[68][69]

During Syrian civil war

2011

The Mossad was suspected of being behind an explosion at a Revolutionary Guard missile base in November 2011. The blast killed 17 Revolutionary Guard operatives, including General Hassan Moqaddam, described as a key figure in Iran's missile program.[70] Israeli journalist Ron Ben-Yishai wrote that several lower-ranked Iranian missile experts had probably been previously killed in several explosions at various sites.[54]

In response to Israeli covert operations, Iranian agents reportedly began trying to hit Israeli and Jewish targets; potential targets were then placed on high alert. Yoram Cohen, the head of Shin Bet, claimed that three planned attacks in Turkey, Azerbaijan and Thailand were thwarted at the last minute.[71] On 11 October 2011, the United States claimed to have foiled an alleged Iranian plot that included bombing the Israeli and Saudi embassies in Washington DC and Buenos Aires.[72]

2012

On 13 February 2012, Israeli embassy staff in Georgia and India were targeted. In Georgia, a car bomb failed to explode near the embassy and was safely detonated by Georgian police. In India, the car bomb exploded, injuring four people. Amongst the wounded was the wife of an Israeli Defense Ministry employee.[73] Israel accused Iran of being behind the attacks.[74][75] The following day, three alleged Iranian agents were uncovered in Bangkok, Thailand, thought to have been planning to kill Israeli diplomatic officials, including the ambassador, by attaching bombs to embassy cars. The cell was uncovered when one of their bombs exploded. Police responded, and the Iranian agent present at the house threw an explosive device at officers that tore his legs off, and was subsequently taken into custody. A second suspect was arrested as he tried to catch a flight out of the country, and the third escaped to Malaysia, where he was arrested by Malaysian Federal Police.[76] Thai police subsequently arrested two people suspected of involvement.[77][78] Indian police arrested a Delhi-based journalist in connection with February’s car bomb, which injured four Israelis including the wife of an Israeli diplomat. Syed Mohammed Kazmi the journalist was arrested on 6 March 2012, he is said to have been in contact with a suspect police believe might have stuck a magnetic bomb to the diplomat’s car. It is said Kazmi was an Indian citizen who worked for an Iranian publication.[79]

In late February 2012, WikiLeaks published confidential emails from Stratfor, a US-based private intelligence company, which were stolen by the hacking group Anonymous. Among the information released was a claim that Israeli commandos, in collaboration with Kurdish fighters, destroyed several underground Iranian facilities used for nuclear and defense research projects.[80]

On July 18, 2012, a bus carrying Israeli tourists in Bulgaria was destroyed in a bombing attack that killed five Israeli tourists and the driver, and injured 32 people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran and Hezbollah for the attack.[81] In July 2012, a senior Israeli defense official stated that since May 2011, more than 20 terrorist attacks planned by Iranians or suspected Hezbollah agents against Israeli targets worldwide had been foiled, including in South Africa, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Turkey, Thailand, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Nepal, Nigeria, and Peru, and that Iranian and Hezbollah operatives were incarcerated in jails throughout the world.[82][83][84][84][85][86]

On October 6, 2012, Israeli airplanes shot down a small UAV as it flew over northern Negev.[87] Hezbollah confirmed it sent the drone and Nasrallah said in a televised speech that the drone's parts were manufactured in Iran.[88]

On October 24, 2012, Sudan claimed that Israel had bombed a munitions factory, allegedly belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, south of Khartoum.[89][17][16]

In November 2012, Israel reported that an Iranian ship was being loaded with rockets to be exported to countries within range of Israel and that Israel "will attack and destroy any shipment of arms".[90]

2013

In January 2013, rumors were released that the Fordo nuclear plant had been hit by an explosion. Further reports by IAEA concluded that there had been no such incident.[91]

On January 30, 2013, Israeli aircraft allegedly struck a Syrian convoy transporting Iranian weapons to Hezbollah.[92] Other sources stated the targeted site was a military research center in Jamraya responsible for developing biological and chemical weapons.[93]

On April 25, 2013, Israeli aircraft shot down a drone off the coast of Haifa, allegedly belonging to Hezbollah.[94]

Two additional air strikes, also attributed to Israel, reportedly took place on May 3 and 5, 2013. Both allegedly targeted long-ranged weapons sent from Iran to Hezbollah.[95][96]

On 7 May 2013, residents of Tehran reported hearing three blasts in an area where Iran maintains its missile research and depots. Later, an Iranian website said the blasts occurred at a privately owned chemical factory.[97]

According to anonymous US officials, Israel launched another airstrike or cruise missile attack on 5 July. It targeted Russian-made Yakhont anti-ship missiles near the city of Latakia, and killed several Syrian troops.[98]

An unidentified U.S. administration official on October 31 said Israeli warplanes struck a Syrian base near the port of Latakia, targeting missiles that Israel thought might be transferred to its Lebanese militia enemy Hezbollah.[99]

The relationship between the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Islamic Republic of Iran strengthened as a result of Hamas moving away from Iran due to differing positions on the Syrian Civil War. Iran rewarded the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine's pro-Assad stance with an increase in financial and military assistance. Abu Ahmad Fouad, a PFLP political-bureau member said that the group might retaliate toward Israel if the United States bombs Syria.[100]

On 10 December, Hamas announced that they have resumed ties with Iran after a brief cut off over the Syrian conflict [101]

On 15 December 2013 a Lebanese sniper opened fire at an Israeli vehicle traveling near the border area of Rosh Hanikra, killing a soldier inside. Several hours later, the Israeli military said it shot two Lebanese soldiers after spotting “suspicious movement” in the same area.[102]

2014

Further information: Axis of Resistance

Syrian opposition sources, as well as Lebanese sources, reported that another strike happened in Latakia on January 26, 2014. Explosions were reported in the city and Israeli planes were reported over Lebanon. The target was allegedly S-300 missiles.[103]

A court in Jerusalem has sentenced an Israeli man, Yitzhak Bergel to four-and-a-half years in prison for offering to spy for Iran. Bergel belongs to the anti-Zionist Neturei Karta, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect which is vehemently opposed to the State of Israel's existence.[104]

It was reported that Israeli aircraft carried out two airstrikes against Hezbollah facilities in Lebanon near the border with Syria on February 24, 2014, killing several militants. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed the attack targeted a Hezbollah missile base.[105]

On March 5, 2014, the Israeli navy intercepted the Klos-C cargo ship. Israel stated Iran was using the vessel to smuggle dozens of long-range rockets to Gaza, including Syrian-manufactured M-302 rockets. The operation, named Full Disclosure and carried out by Shayetet 13 special forces, took place in the Red Sea, 1,500 kilometers away from Israel and some 160 kilometers from Port Sudan.[106]

Iranian state media reported that on August 24, 2014, IRGC had shot down an Israeli drone near Natanz fuel enrichment plant. Israeli military did not comment on the reports.[107]

Two workers were killed in an explosion that took place at a military explosives factory southeast of Tehran, near the suspected nuclear reactor in Parchin.[108] In what seemed to be a response ordered by Iran,[109] Hezbollah set off an explosive device on the border between Lebanon and the Israeli-controlled side of the Shebaa farms, wounding two Israeli soldiers. Israel responded with artillery fire toward two Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.[110]

On December 7 2014 Israeli jets allegedly bombed areas near Damascus international airport and in the town of Dimas, near the border with Lebanon. According to foreign reports the attack targeted a warehouse of advanced S-300 missiles, which were en route from Syria to Hezbollah in Lebanon.[111] Al Arabiya reported that two Hezbollah militants were killed in the strikes, including a senior military official.[112]

2015

On 18 January 2015, Israeli helicopters attacked a Hezbollah's convoy in the Syrian-controlled part of Golan Heights, killing six prominent members of Hezbollah and six IRGC commanders, including a General.[113][114] On January 28, Hezbollah fired an anti-tank missile at an Israeli military convoy in the occupied Shebaa farms, killing two soldiers and wounding seven.[115] Israel responded with at least 50 artillery shells across the border into southern Lebanon, in which a Spanish UN peacekeeper was killed.[116]

Iranian supporters and proxies

Further information: Axis of Resistance

Syria

Hezbollah

Main article: Hezbollah

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine

Sudan (2005-2011)

In 2008, Sudan and Iran signed a military cooperation agreement. The agreement was signed by Iran's Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar and his Sudanese counterpart Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein.[117]

In 2011, however, Sudan reduced the cooperation with Iran in light of the Syrian conflict and in 2015 Sudan completely severed its ties with the Islamic Republic, by participating in Yemen Crisis on behalf of the Sunni Arab alliance.[118]

Hamas (2005-2011

Between 2005 and 2011, Iran was one of the main funders and suppliers of Hamas. Israel estimates the Hamas' Brigades have a core of several hundred members, who received military style training, including training in Iran and in Syria (before the Syrian Civil War).[119] In 2011, after the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War, Hamas distanced itself from the Syrian government and its members began leaving Syria. Since 2012, Hamas ceased receiving any support from Iran due to Hamas' support of the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria. 2014 in a speech for the spokesman of the Qassam brigades in 2014 on Hamas's 27 anniversary he thanked Iran for aid in finance and weapons.[120]

Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Iran is a major financial supporter of the PIJ.[121][122][123][124] Following the Israeli and Egyptian squeeze on Hamas in early 2014, PIJ has seen its power steadily increase with the backing of funds from Iran.[125] Its financial backing is believed to also come from Syria.

Israeli supporters and alleged proxies

USA

Alleged Mujahideen-e-Khalq involvement

Alleged Jundallah involvement

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has accused Israel of helping Jundallah to carry out attacks in Iran.[128]

International responses

Russia

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/leaks-netanyahu-misled-iran-nuclear-programme-guardian-iran-nuclear-speech-2012-150218165622065.html
  2. ↑ https://books.google.co.uk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=cwtAyr8dwaoC&oi=fnd&pg=PA169&dq=iran+influence+syria&ots=HUgMyL8wrU&sig=0aCCd9HGdL88TNKF3NQRweO6VUg#v=onepage&q=iran%20influence%20syria&f=false
  3. ↑ http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/10/08/the-iranian-sphere-of-influence-expands-into-yemen/
  4. ↑ http://www.rubincenter.org/2014/04/the-shii-crescents-push-for-regional-hegemony-and-the-sunni-reaction/
  5. ↑ http://www.i24news.tv/en/opinion/50657-141112-the-emerging-hegemony-of-iran
  6. ↑ http://www.iranintelligence.com/hegemony
  7. ↑ http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/21/us-syria-crisis-iran-idUSBREA1K09U20140221
  8. ↑ http://www.journalpioneer.com/Opinion/Columnists/2015-02-22/article-4053131/The-long-arm-of-Iran-in-the-Middle-East/1
  9. ↑ http://www.aawsat.net/2015/03/article55341960/tehrans-political-and-military-hegemony-over-baghdad
  10. ↑ Adam Shatz (April 29, 2004). "In Search of Hezbollah". The New York Review of Books. Retrieved August 14, 2006.
  11. ↑ name="english.alarabiya.net"> "Iran’s annual financial aid to Hamas is believed to be around $20 million, which helps the group run its government in the Gaza Strip. Both parties enjoyed warm ties since 2006 when Hamas won an election against the Western-backed Fatah movement. But the crisis in Syria has led to problems between them. In 2014 “First among which is the Islamic Republic of Iran which did not skimp on money, weapons and other things and provided the resistance with rockets." Abu Ubaidah, the spokesman of the Palestinian Al-Qassam Brigades: "(2006–present)
  12. ↑ http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/01/iran-islamicjihad-hamas-gaza.html#
  13. ↑ "Palestinian Islamic Jihad". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  14. ↑ al-monitor September 2013
  15. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/the-iran-saudi-arabia-proxy-war-is-heating-up-in-yemen-2015-3
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Ian Black. "'Israeli attack' on Sudanese arms factory offers glimpse of secret war". the Guardian. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Israeli jets 'bombed weapons factory in Khartoum', Sudan claims". Daily Telegraph. 24 Oct 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2012.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Three Israeli Airstrikes Against Sudan", ABC news (Go), Mar 2009.
  19. ↑ http://freebeacon.com/national-security/israel-treating-free-syrian-army-commander/
  20. ↑ http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.632418
  21. ↑ http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.630359
  22. ↑
  23. ↑ http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israeli-mossad-agents-posed-as-cia-spies-to-recruit-terrorists-to-fight-against-iran-1.407224
  24. ↑ http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/envoy/israel-used-false-flag-operation-recruit-anti-iran-223815985.html
  25. ↑ "US Officials: Mossad Backing Iranian 'Terrorists'". Haaretz. September 2, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  26. ↑ "Le Figaro: Israel's Mossad recruiting Iranian dissidents to work against Tehran regime". Haaretz. January 11, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  27. ↑ "New book claims Mossad assassination unit killed Iranian nuclear scientists". The Guardian. July 11, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Fars News Agency :: Envoy: Israel Supporting PJAK, PKK through Southern Cyprus". Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  29. ↑
  30. ↑ https://consortiumnews.com/2015/02/25/saudis-said-to-aid-israeli-plan-to-bomb-iran/
  31. ↑ "Israel said to be working with Saudi Arabia on Iran strike plan". The Times of Israel. 17 November 2013.
  32. ↑ "Israel working with Saudi Arabia on Iran’s nuclear contingency plan - report". RT. 17 November 2013. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  33. ↑ "Azerbaijan granted Israel access to air bases on Iran border". Haaretz. 29 March 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  34. ↑ "The Israeli-made Hermes 450 drone downed by Iran over Natanz took off from Azerbaijan". Debkafile (Jerusalem). 27 August 2014. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  35. ↑ Bell, John; Zada, John (10 November 2011). "Israel's self-fulfilling prophecy on Iran". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 29 August 2014. ...proxy conflict between Israel and Iran...
  36. ↑ Gerges, Fawas (5 May 2013). "Israel attacks show Syria's conflict becoming a regional proxy war". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
  37. ↑ Saeed Kamali Dehghan (28 May 2012). "Syrian army being aided by Iranian forces". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  38. ↑ Daftari, Lisa (28 August 2012). "Iranian general admits 'fighting every aspect of a war' in defending Syria's Assad". Fox News. Retrieved 6 September 2012.
  39. ↑ http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.632418
  40. ↑ http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.630359
  41. ↑ http://www.france24.com/en/20130918-syria-israel-hospitals-enemy-care-wounded-medical/
  42. ↑ middleeasteye
  43. ↑ The Guardian 11 October 2014 isis assad
  44. ↑ mosaicmagazine the silent partnership
  45. ↑ Richard Horowitz. "Why Is Iran Shipping Arm to Hamas and Hezbollah?". The Blaze. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  46. ↑ "IN THE PARTY OF GOD Are terrorists in Lebanon preparing for a larger war? by Jeffrey Goldberg". The New Yorker. October 14, 2002. Retrieved 2007-03-03.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Iran Massively Rearming Hezbollah in Violation of UN Security Council Resolution, American Chronicle, March 28, 2010
  48. ↑ Background Information on Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations
  49. ↑ Norton, Augustus (1987). Amal and the Shi'a: the struggle for the Soul of Lebanon. Austin: University of Texas Press. pp. 167–87. ISBN 0-292-73040-3.
  50. ↑ Israel, Gulf in 'Strange Alliance' Against Iran, ABC News, November 20, 2013
  51. ↑ Israel's Netanyahu says Iran nuclear program delayed six weeks by deal, Fox News, January 29, 2014
  52. ↑ "Iranian soldiers join Hizbullah in fighting", Y net news.
  53. ↑ "Israel carried out 3 attacks on Sudan arms smugglers", Ha’aretz.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Ben-Yishai, Ron (January 12, 2012). "Killing the brains". Ynetnews. Retrieved July 27, 2012.
  55. ↑ Yong, William (October 13, 2010). "18 Iran Guards Killed by Blast at Their Base". The New York Times.
  56. ↑ Meikle, James (January 11, 2012). "Iran: timeline of attacks". The Guardian. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  57. ↑ "Legal Experts: Stuxnet Attack on Iran Was Illegal ‘Act of Force’". Wired. 25 March 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-07.
  58. ↑ "Did Stuxnet Take Out 1,000 Centrifuges at the Natanz Enrichment Plant?" (PDF). Institute for Science and International Security. 22 December 2010. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
  59. ↑ "Spotted in Iran, trojan Duqu may not be "son of Stuxnet" after all". Ars technica. Oct 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  60. ↑ Lee, Dave (4 June 2012). "Flame: Attackers 'sought confidential Iran data'". BBC News. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  61. ↑ "Iran: Israel, US are behind attempt to sabotage Arak reactor". Ynetnews. 17 March 2014.
  62. ↑ "Iran Says Nuclear Equipment Was Sabotaged". The New York Times. 22 September 2012.
  63. ↑ "Iran official: German firm planted bombs in parts meant for nuclear program". Haaretz. 22 September 2012.
  64. ↑ "Navy intercepts ship with Iranian arms bound for Hamas". The Jerusalem Post. March 15, 2011.
  65. ↑ "Blast at Isfahan damaged nuclear facility", Y net news.
  66. ↑ Nisman, Daniel (November 29, 2011). "A message from Iran". Ynetnews. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  67. ↑ http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4160500,00.html
  68. ↑ "Iran: 7 killed in steel factory blast", Y net news.
  69. ↑ "Iran: Factory blast death toll reaches 16", Y net news.
  70. ↑ "Iranian missile expert killed in explosion". the Guardian. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  71. ↑ Harriet Sherwood. "Iran 'trying to attack Israeli targets in retaliation for scientists' deaths'". the Guardian. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  72. ↑ Stevens, John; Tree, Oliver (13 October 2011). "This is an act of war': U.S. vows action over bizarre Iranian plot to hire Mexican drugs cartel to kill Saudi ambassador in D.C. restaurant blast". London: Daily Mail. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
  73. ↑ "Israeli missions in India, Georgia targeted". ynet. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  74. ↑ "Netanyahu: Iran responsible for attacks on Israeli embassies". ynet. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  75. ↑ Israel embassy car blast: Indian intelligence hints at Iran's hand
  76. ↑ "Malaysia police arrest suspect in Bangkok blasts". ynet. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  77. ↑ "Thai police: 2 more suspects in terror case". ynet. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  78. ↑ "Thai official: Iran terrorists targeted Israeli diplomats". ynet. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  79. ↑ BBS News India (7 March 2012). "Indian journalist held for attack on Israeli envoy". BBC News India.
  80. ↑ "ISRAEL/IRAN - Barak hails munitions blast in Iran". Global Intelligence Files. WikiLeaks. February 27, 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
  81. ↑ "PM Netanyahu's Remarks Following Terror Attack in Bulgaria". Yeshiva World News. July 18, 2012. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
  82. ↑ Eichner, Itamar (July 20, 2012). "PM reveals: South Africa attack against Israelis thwarted". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
  83. ↑ Tait, Robert (April 23, 2013). "Iranian travelling on fake Israeli passport 'arrested in Nepal'". The Telegraph.
  84. ↑ 84.0 84.1 "Nigeria nabs terrorists planning attacks on Israelis". Jerusalem Post. February 21, 2013.
  85. ↑ "Nigeria foils latest Hezbollah plot to attack Israelis". Jerusalem Post. May 30, 2013.
  86. ↑ "Hezbollah member held in Peru for planning terror attack". Haaretz. October 30, 2014.
  87. ↑ "IAF shoots down UAV in northern Negev". The Jerusalem Post - JPost.com. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  88. ↑ "Hezbollah confirms it sent drone downed over Israel". Reuters. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  89. ↑ "Khartoum fire blamed on Israeli bombing". Al Jazeera. 25 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  90. ↑ "Report: Israeli spy satellites spot Iranian ship being loaded with rockets for Gaza". Haaretz.com. 25 November 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  91. ↑ "The IAEA Says It Has Inspectors At Iran's Fordo Nuclear Site And There Has Been No Explosion". Business Insider. 2013-01-30. Retrieved 2013-05-26.
  92. ↑ "Israel strikes Syrian weapons en route to Hezbollah". The Jerusalem Post. January 30, 2013.
  93. ↑ "Analysis: Syria center long been on Israel’s radar". The Jerusalem Post. January 31, 2013.
  94. ↑ "IAF shoots down drone from Lebanon off Haifa". The Jerusalem Post. April 25, 2013.
  95. ↑ "IAF strike in Syria targeted arms from Iran". The Jerusalem Post. May 4, 2013.
  96. ↑ Cohen, Gili (May 5, 2013). "Israel overnight strike targeted Iranian missile shipment meant for Hezbollah". Ha'aretz. Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  97. ↑ Lappin, Yakkov (May 8, 2013). "Triple explosion reportedly shakes western Tehran". The Jerusalem Post.
  98. ↑ "Report: Israel behind recent strike on Syria missile depot, U.S. officials say". Haaretz. 12 July 2013.
  99. ↑ Syria military base blasts said to be Israeli strike, Reuters, Oct 31, 2013.
  100. ↑ al-monitor September 2013
  101. ↑ "Hamas says it has resumed ties with Iran", The Tower
  102. ↑ "Israel, Lebanon move to ease tensions after sniper kills soldier", Chicago Sun-Times, December 17, 2013.
  103. ↑ Israeli planes said to hit missile site in Syria The Times of Israel. 27 January 2014
  104. ↑ "Israel jails anti-Zionist for offering to spy for Iran". BBC News. 2014-01-28.
  105. ↑ Report: Hezbollah militants killed in Israeli strike Yedioth Ahronoth. 24 February 2014
  106. ↑ "Israel Navy intercepts Gaza-bound Iranian rocket ship near Port Sudan". Jerusalem Post. 2014-03-05.
  107. ↑ "A downed Israeli drone could advance Iran’s own drone program". 2014-08-25.
  108. ↑ "Report: Two dead after explosion in Iranian nuclear facility". Jerusalem Post. 2014-10-06.
  109. ↑ "Report: Hezbollah attack on Har Dov ordered by Iran following explosion at nuclear facility". Jerusalem Post. 2014-10-10.
  110. ↑ "Hezbollah Attack Along Border With Lebanon Wounds Two Israeli Soldiers". New York Times. 2014-10-07.
  111. ↑ "Syria: Israeli warplanes strike targets near Damascus". The Jerusalem Post. 2014-12-07.
  112. ↑ "Report: Two Hezbollah operatives killed in Sunday's alleged IAF strikes in Syria". The Jerusalem Post. 2014-12-08.
  113. ↑ "Region on edge after Israel's deadly strike". Daily Star. 2015-01-19.
  114. ↑ "Report: Six Iranians killed in Israeli strike in Syria, including Revolutionary Guards general". Jerusalem Post. 2015-01-19.
  115. ↑ http://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-strikes-syrian-army-artillery-posts-1422433830
  116. ↑ http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/01/israeli-soldiers-injured-shebaa-farms-missile-attack-150128100642659.html
  117. ↑ Sudan, Iran sign military cooperation agreement
  118. ↑
  119. ↑ "Hamas's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades". Government of Australoia. Retrieved August 1, 2011.
  120. ↑ "Iran’s annual financial aid to Hamas is believed to be around $20 million, which helps the group run its government in the Gaza Strip. Both parties enjoyed warm ties since 2006 when Hamas won an election against the Western-backed Fatah movement. But the crisis in Syria has led to problems between them. In 2014 “First among which is the Islamic Republic of Iran which did not skimp on money, weapons and other things and provided the resistance with rockets." Abu Ubaidah, the spokesman of the Palestinian Al-Qassam Brigades: "
  121. ↑ Mannes, Aaron (2004). Profiles in Terror: The Guide to Middle East Terrorist Organizations. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 201.
  122. ↑ THE TERRORIST CONNECTION - IRAN, THE ISLAMIC JIHAD AND HAMAS
  123. ↑ Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ). NCTC.
  124. ↑ Government: Listing of Terrorism Organisations
  125. ↑ http://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21599826-decline-hamas-may-result-new-wave-chaos-whos-charge The Gaza Strip: Who’s in charge?
  126. ↑ Rock Center with Brian Williams (6 December 2014). "Israel teams with terror group to kill Iran's nuclear scientists, U.S. officials tell NBC News". NBC News. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  127. ↑ "Report: U.S., Israel helped train Iranian dissidents". Haaretz. April 7, 2012.
  128. ↑ "Ahmadinejad: US behind terror attacks". Presstv.ir. Archived from the original on 20 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-19.