Page 10 - The Indian EYE 042624

OPINION APRIL 26, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

A Precarious Balance:

Iran and Israel’s Confrontation

in the Shadow of Global Politics

BY ASHU MAAN

n 14 April 2024, an unprec-
edented escalation occurred
Oin the ongoing tension be-
tween Israel and Iran. Iran launched
a sophisticated attack on Israel, em-
ploying drones, cruise missiles, and
rocket fire, marking a critical juncture
in their longstanding conflict. This
offensive came in retaliation to Isra-
el’s targeting of Iran’s embassy com-
pound in Damascus, Syria, resulting
in the deaths of high-ranking officers,
including a top Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) commander.
Iran’s assault involved more than 100
drones and cruise missiles. Some of
these were reportedly launched from
Iraq, Iran, Syria and Yemen, even as
Hezbollah, a known proxy of Iran,
claimed responsibility for firing doz-
ens of Katyusha rockets from Leba-
non into northern Israel. According
to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), of
the more than 300 munitions fired by According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), of the more than 300 munitions fired by Iran, there were some 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and
Iran, there were some 170 drones, 30 120 ballistic missiles (Agency photo)
cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic mis-
siles. Another unprecedented aspect cluding its skirmishes with Pakistan in lion) for Israel’s defensive response
of the incident was the support given January 2024, though the present at- to Iran’s missile and drone barrage DE-ESCALATION
to Israel by Arab states in thwarting tack is far larger in scope. Each action on April 14, 2024, underscores the S President Joe Biden’s in-
the Iranian attack. Reportedly, apart appears carefully measured to assert high costs for the defence, including forming the Prime Minister
from the United States, Britain, and Iran’s defensive posture and region- the sophisticated defense technol- Uof Israel, Benjamin Netanya-
France, Arab countries such as Saudi al influence while stopping short of ogies like David’s Sling air-defense hu that the United States “won’t take
Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, United Arab triggering wider conflict. Iran’s state- system, and the operational costs part in any counter strike against
Emirates by providing airspace ac- ment at the UN, indicating that the associated with maintaining aerial Iran” subtly acknowledged the un-
cess, radar tracking and even shoot- attack “can be deemed concluded” superiority—evidenced by the de- derlying dynamics at play, indicating
ing down Iranian projectiles.
barring further provocation from Is- ployment of 100 Israeli warplanes for a preference for de-escalation. This
EVENT ANALYSIS rael, strategically places the respon- six hours. This financial analysis by stance underscores the recognition of
sibility for any escalation on Israel, Yehoshua Kalisky, a senior research- the broader implications of such con-
he attack by Iran on Israel mirroring Tehran’s broader tactic of er at the Institute for National Secu- flicts, not just for the immediate re-
serves as a strategic effort by managing the optics and implications rity Studies, not only highlights the gional stability but also for the global
TTehran to maintain its newly of its military engagements. Domes- immediate costs involved in inter- economy. The Middle East’s volatility
acquired stature on the international tically, it reassures the Iranian public cepting the attack but also points to has a direct and immediate impact on
stage, and somewhat akin to its cali- of the regime’s control and measured the broader economic impact on na- global oil prices and the security of
brated response to the assassination approach to conflict, potentially eas- tional defense budgets. The reliance critical maritime trade routes, such as
of Qasem Soleimani in 2020, when it ing internal tensions. Internationally, on advanced technology for defense the Strait of Hormuz, through which
launched missile attacks against a US it signals Iran’s preference for con- signifies a dual-edged sword; while a significant portion of the world’s oil
base in Iraq. This pattern of retalia- tainment over escalation, placing the it provides a robust shield against supply passes. Any hint of conflict in
tion—demonstrating military capa- onus of future conflict squarely on Is- increasingly sophisticated threats, it this region sends shockwaves through
bility without seeking to escalate into rael’s shoulders. also demands substantial ongoing in- the global markets, affecting oil prices
full-blown conflict—echoes Iran’s ap- The reported expenditure of 2.1 vestment in research, development,
proach to regional confrontations, in- billion Israeli shekels (over $550 mil- and procurement. Continued on next page... >>

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