The targeted assassination of Qasem Soleimani is a game changer for Israel in its simmering conflict with Tehran. This drone strike could mean an Iranian attack on Israel in response. But whether Iran seeks to attack or not, it means that the country’s remaining allies in the region – such as Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah – will know they could meet a similar, sticky end to Soleimani.
For Israel, Trump’s decision to target Soleimani is a moment to celebrate. Israel viewed the Iranian Quds Force commander as a central figure behind Tehran’s threats to destroy Israel. In August, Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu gave a stark warning to Soleimani, blaming him for an attempted drone attack on Israel from Syria. Soleimani and senior IRGC leaders have also increased their rhetoric against Israel over the last year, claiming the destruction of Israel is no longer just a dream but a practical reality.
For many years, despite Israel’s concerns about Iran’s growing role in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, the US cautioned Israel against a pre-emptive strike on Iran, It also warned against taking out senior commanders like Soleimani.
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