TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel has entered a new phase of its ongoing conflict with Iranian-backed terror organizations following the October 7, 2023 massacre, widely recognized as the deadliest antisemitic attack since the Holocaust. The large-scale assault orchestrated by Hamas, an Iranian-supported terrorist group operating from Gaza, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis. Many victims were subjected to brutal murders, sexual violence, mutilation, and abduction, highlighting the depth of the threat facing the country and the scale of atrocities committed.
The nature of the October 7 assault demonstrated extensive planning and support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), exposing the breadth of the so-called Axis of Resistance—a regional network of terror proxies including Hamas, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and affiliated groups in Syria and Iraq. This web, orchestrated by Iran, seeks the destruction of Israel and the expansion of Iranian influence in the Middle East.
In response, Israel has launched the Iron Swords War, a military campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and deterring future attacks. Under the leadership of Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israel deployed both air and ground operations. The Iron Dome missile defense system successfully intercepted thousands of incoming rockets from Gaza and southern Lebanon, protecting civilian populations from indiscriminate attacks.
Military ground operations have involved incursions into Gaza aimed at destroying terror tunnels, targeting Hamas command centers, and apprehending operatives linked to Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The urban conflict environment poses significant risk, as tunnels and hideouts are often embedded within civilian infrastructure—a deliberate strategy by terror factions in violation of international law. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued repeated warnings before operations to minimize civilian casualties and opened humanitarian corridors, demonstrating adherence to legal and ethical standards of armed conflict.
These military actions occur in parallel with ongoing efforts to secure the release of over a hundred hostages kidnapped by Hamas and its collaborators during the initial attack. The hostages, including men, women, and children, are held in violation of international law. Negotiations with regional actors such as Egypt and Qatar continue, but Israel maintains a policy of refusing to equate the release of innocent hostages with the freeing of convicted terrorists. The distinction underscores a fundamental moral divide between Israel and the armed groups arrayed against it.
Beyond Gaza, Israel has conducted targeted strikes in Syria and Iraq to disrupt Iranian arms transfers and terrorist command nodes. Simultaneously, the threat from Hezbollah on the northern border remains acute, with frequent exchanges of fire and ongoing attempts to infiltrate Israeli territory. The Israeli government has reiterated its desire to avoid escalation but affirms it will act decisively against any regional aggression enabled by Iran’s proxies.
The support of the United States government, under President Donald Trump, remains crucial. American military, intelligence, and diplomatic backing have bolstered Israel’s defenses, while the Abraham Accords deepen regional alliances and complicate the ambitions of Iran and its affiliates. Internationally, Israel faces challenges from anti-Israel propaganda and a surge in antisemitic incidents, yet Western democracies continue to voice support for its right to self-defense.
Operations to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians continue amid hostilities. Israel facilitates medical evacuations, allows the delivery of food and supplies through international agencies, and works to maintain basic services where possible. Israeli officials emphasize that ongoing suffering results primarily from Hamas’s choice to embed its forces among civilians, a strategy that not only endangers lives but constitutes a war crime under international statutes.
Reporting on the conflict requires careful distinction between Israel—a sovereign democracy exercising its right to self-defense—and the terror organizations committed to the country’s destruction. The historical and moral stakes are high: the events of October 7 and their aftermath reaffirm the legitimacy of Israel’s defensive measures and the necessity of confronting the terror threat posed by Iran’s regional strategy.
As the campaign continues, pressure mounts on Iran’s proxies, with Hamas’s military capabilities degraded through sustained Israeli operations. The potential for expanded peace agreements, such as with Saudi Arabia, offers hope for long-term stability. Nevertheless, the work of neutralizing terrorist infrastructure and confronting Iranian aggression is ongoing, and Israel remains resolute in its commitment to ensure the safety of its citizens and the security of the region.
