Israel’s conflict reflects global struggles for freedom

The stakes extend far beyond regional boundaries in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, often mischaracterised as the "Gaza war", The New York Times highlights.

The world should be hopeful that Israel successfully confronts Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and their backers in Tehran. By "success", I mean that Israel must inflict enough damage on these groups’ ability to wage war so that they recognize that continuing the fight no longer serves their interests. Those who aspire to see a free and independent Palestinian state should root for Israel's success.

An Israel that permits Hamas to maintain control in Gaza will never relinquish the West Bank for Palestinian sovereignty, fearing that Hamas could expand its tactics of rockets and tunnels into that territory as well. Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, or his successors, would likely perpetuate their oppressive regime, characterized by extensive surveillance and brutality against dissenting Palestinians.

Moreover, the already weak and authoritarian Palestinian Authority would remain stagnant if Hamas continues to be its main political rival rather than more moderate factions. Similarly, those wishing for a stable, independent, and peaceful Lebanon should also hope for Israel's victory. Hezbollah portrays itself as a Lebanese resistance group, but in truth, it functions as an Iranian occupation force.

It has frequently and violently asserted control over Lebanon's elected leaders, and has been linked to the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The group has led Lebanon into destructive conflicts with Israel and has used civilians as human shields by positioning itself in crowded neighborhoods in Beirut. Additionally, Hezbollah has exploited the country's vulnerabilities to engage in profitable activities like drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and money laundering. Most Lebanese either dislike or outright despise Hezbollah. However, true freedom from its oppression is unlikely without someone dismantling its ability to wield violent control over the political scene.

If the international community genuinely cares about Lebanon’s interests but opposes Israel's intervention, perhaps another entity, like France, should step in. Those hoping for a more moderate Israeli government should wish for its success. Consider the scenario where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees to a cease-fire, which has been emphasized by Kamala Harris as a priority. If Netanyahu were also to express a willingness to negotiate for a Palestinian state, regardless of Hamas's continued influence, who among Israel's political factions would actually benefit from such moves? It certainly wouldn't be the accommodating secularists in Tel Aviv, led by former foreign minister Yair Lapid.

Instead, it would be figures like Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, and their far-right supporters who would accuse the government of yielding to Western leftists at a time when Israel finally seemed to gain the upper hand in the conflict. It shouldn't be surprising if the next Israeli government appears even more hawkish than the current one. American policymakers should be hopeful for an Israeli victory.

A peace agreement between Jerusalem and Riyadh, one of the Biden administration's key geopolitical goals, is unlikely to materialize if Israel emerges from the war perceived as a loser by Saudi Arabia’s pragmatic leaders. Additionally, the emerging coalition of moderates and reformers in the Middle East, which was gaining traction after the 2020 Abraham Accords and served as a crucial counterbalance to Tehran's Axis of Aggression, is likely to unravel following an Israeli defeat, as anxious Arab nations reassess their relationships with a strengthening Iran.

The American public should also hope for Israel's success. Since the rise of Iran's Islamist regime in 1979, it has positioned itself in opposition to two perceived "Satans": the smaller one, Israel, and the larger one, the United States. This antagonism has inflicted suffering on countless Americans, including hostages taken during the U.S. embassy crisis in Tehran, diplomats and Marines in Beirut, troops in Iraq killed by Iranian-supplied munitions, American citizens imprisoned in Iran, and Navy SEALs who died in January trying to prevent Iran from arming Houthi rebels targeting commercial shipping. The conflict currently being fought by Israelis—often referred to inaccurately in the media as the "Gaza war," but is essentially a confrontation between Israel and Iran—is also fundamentally America's war. It is a struggle against a common enemy, one that aligns with totalitarian regimes in Moscow and Beijing and has been targeting us for 45 years.

Americans should feel fortunate that Israel is on the front lines; at the very least, we should support its efforts. Those who value the future of freedom must hope for Israel's victory. We find ourselves in a world increasingly reminiscent of the 1930s, where shrewd and aggressive dictatorships are uniting against weakened, inward-focused democracies. Today's authoritarian regimes can easily detect signs of vulnerability. Our safety would be greatly enhanced if, in the Middle East, they finally tasted defeat.

By Naila Huseynova