How long can Israel sustain a military conflict with Iran?
World • 2h ago
**Can Israel Sustain War With Iran: The Uncharted Territory Ahead**
In the midst of escalating tensions with Iran, Israel and the United States have indicated that military conflict could drag on for weeks. This prospect is causing anxiety among Israelis, who are weary of the country's repeated involvement in wars and conflicts.
Israel's military has been on high alert since its recent attack on Iran, with repeated missile and drone strikes forcing widespread air raid alerts, school closures, and the mobilisation of tens of thousands of reservists. Cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv have borne the brunt of these attacks, straining emergency services and forcing citizens to take shelter.
Despite the risks, the public's mood remains resolute, driven by a sense of determination to confront an enemy that they believe poses a threat to their existence. Politicians have rallied behind Prime Minister Netanyahu, with even critics urging him to keep the conflict short.
However, experts warn that this enthusiasm may be short-lived. As the conflict prolongs, it may radicalise Israeli society further, exacerbating existing economic and social tensions. The country's polarisation has already accelerated the brain drain of young and talented individuals, leaving behind a population increasingly conditioned to see Iran as their fundamental enemy.
"It's a mentality of 'us versus them,'" Daniel Bar-Tal, an academic at Tel Aviv University, notes. "We're indoctrinated to believe that Iran is evil from a young age, and this reinforces our militaristic worldview."
The past few years have witnessed Israel's ongoing involvement in conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, with little respite for its citizens. As the war with Iran drags on, it remains unclear what kind of Israeli society will emerge from this uncharted territory.
"The country's moral certitude has not been dented by past conflicts," Bar-Tal says. "In fact, it seems to be fuelled by them. Now, we have a generation that is even more militaristic and right-wing."
As Israel navigates this complex terrain, one thing is certain: the consequences of a prolonged conflict with Iran will be far-reaching and profound, impacting not just the country itself but also its relationship with the world.