Iran & Israel: Unraveling Decades Of Deep-Seated Hostility

Ansel Kshlerin 05 Jul 2025

The animosity between Iran and Israel stands as one of the most perplexing and dangerous rivalries in the world today. For many, the sheer geographical distance – thousands of miles separating them, with several countries in between – makes their intense mutual hatred seem almost incredible. Yet, the headlines constantly remind us of their simmering conflict, from cyberattacks to proxy wars, leaving many to wonder: why do Iran and Israel hate each other with such fervor?

This article aims to peel back the layers of this complex relationship, tracing its evolution from a surprising alliance to a bitter enmity. We will delve into the historical turning points, the ideological clashes, and the geopolitical chess game that fuels this enduring rivalry, offering a deeper understanding of a conflict that continues to shape the Middle East and beyond.

The Unlikely Alliance: A Forgotten Past
The Seismic Shift: Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution
The Proxy Battlegrounds: Syria, Yemen, and Beyond
The Nuclear Question: Israel's Existential Fear
A Web of Alliances: Reshaping the Middle East
Beyond Arabs and Persians: Unpacking the Nuances
The Propaganda War: Distraction and Internal Narratives
The Path Forward: Understanding and Intercession

The Unlikely Alliance: A Forgotten Past

To truly grasp the depth of current tensions, it's crucial to acknowledge a historical reality that often surprises many: Israel and Iran were once allies. This fact fundamentally reshapes the narrative of their animosity, highlighting that their hatred is not an ancient, immutable force but a relatively recent development. Indeed, "from allies to archenemies, how did they get here?" is a question that underpins much of the current geopolitical landscape.

Iran's Early Recognition of Israel

When Israel was founded in 1948, it faced widespread rejection from its Arab neighbors. However, Iran stood out as one of the first states to recognize Israel. This early diplomatic gesture laid the groundwork for a relationship built on shared strategic interests, rather than cultural or religious affinity. At the time, Iran, under the Shah, saw Israel as a potential partner in a turbulent region, a counterweight to the rising tide of Arab nationalism that threatened both nations' stability.

Shared Interests Against Arab States

During the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, Israel regarded Iran as an ally against the Arab states. Both countries shared a common concern about the influence of pan-Arabism and Soviet expansion in the Middle East. This alignment led to significant cooperation, particularly in intelligence and security matters. Iran supplied Israel with oil, and Israel provided Iran with military training and technology. This pragmatic alliance was a cornerstone of their foreign policies, a testament to how geopolitical calculations can forge bonds between seemingly disparate nations. The idea that "Iran and Israel used to be close allies" is a powerful reminder of how dramatically circumstances can change, prompting us to ask again, why do Iran and Israel hate each other now?

The Seismic Shift: Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution

The turning point in the relationship, and indeed the genesis of the current hostility, was Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. This monumental event transformed previously cordial relations between Iran and Israel to fierce hostility. The revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, fundamentally reshaped Iran's identity, ideology, and foreign policy, replacing the pro-Western monarchy with an anti-Western, anti-Zionist Islamic republic. The question of "how did they get here" finds its most direct answer in this revolutionary upheaval.

From Cordial to Hostile: The Ideological Divide

The 1979 revolution changed their relationship dramatically, with Tehran becoming a vocal supporter of Palestinians and adopting a strong anti-Zionist stance. The new Iranian regime viewed Israel as an illegitimate entity, a Western outpost in the heart of the Muslim world, and an oppressor of the Palestinian people. This ideological shift was not merely rhetorical; it became a core tenet of the Islamic Republic's foreign policy, directly challenging Israel's existence and legitimacy. The deep-seated animosity began to crystallize, providing a clear answer to "why does Iran hate Israel?" from an ideological standpoint.

Tehran's Vocal Support for Palestinians

Immediately after the revolution, Iran severed all ties with Israel, closing the Israeli embassy in Tehran and handing it over to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). This symbolic act underscored Iran's new commitment to the Palestinian cause, transforming it from a peripheral issue to a central pillar of its revolutionary agenda. This support extended to various Palestinian militant groups, further escalating tensions with Israel, which viewed such actions as direct threats to its security. The shift from pragmatic alliance to ideological confrontation explains much of the current state of affairs and helps to answer why do Iran and Israel hate each other so intensely.

The Proxy Battlegrounds: Syria, Yemen, and Beyond

Since the 1970s, Iran and Israel have been locked in a longstanding proxy conflict, a shadow war fought through various means across the Middle East. This isn't a conventional war with front lines and declared hostilities, but rather a complex web of indirect confrontations, designed to undermine each other's influence and capabilities without triggering a full-scale direct military engagement. Both countries have also launched subtle military operations against each other, often denying involvement or attributing them to unknown actors.

Competing Interests in Regional Conflicts

A primary arena for this proxy conflict has been the Syrian civil war, where Iran and Israel have provided support for opposing factions. Iran has heavily backed the Assad regime, deploying its own forces, Lebanese Hezbollah, and various Shi'a militias to bolster Damascus. Israel, on the other hand, has conducted numerous airstrikes against Iranian targets and Hezbollah positions within Syria, aiming to prevent Iran from establishing a permanent military presence near its borders and transferring advanced weaponry to its proxies. Similarly, in the Yemeni civil war, Iran has supported the Houthi rebels, while Israel, along with Saudi Arabia, has opposed them, viewing the Houthis as another Iranian proxy expanding Tehran's regional influence. These conflicts vividly illustrate the practical manifestations of why do Iran and Israel hate each other and how that animosity plays out.

Cyber Warfare and Sabotage: A Hidden War

Beyond the conventional battlefields, the conflict has extended into the digital realm and covert operations. Iran and Israel have conducted cyberattacks and sabotage against each other's infrastructure, including attacks on nuclear facilities and oil tankers. Israel is widely believed to have been behind the Stuxnet virus that targeted Iran's nuclear centrifuges in the late 2000s. More recently, Iran has blamed Israel for a strike on its Syria consulate, and has vowed to retaliate, indicating the ongoing, clandestine nature of their struggle. These covert actions highlight the high stakes and the willingness of both sides to inflict damage without direct military confrontation, further deepening the answer to "why do Iran and Israel hate each other so much."

The Nuclear Question: Israel's Existential Fear

At the heart of Israel's profound concern regarding Iran is the latter's nuclear program. This issue is not merely about regional power dynamics; for Israel, it is seen as an existential threat, a direct challenge to its very survival. The question of "why would Iran want such weapons" is often met with the Israeli conviction that these weapons would be aimed at them.

Iran's Nuclear Ambitions: Why the Concern?

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, but its past clandestine activities and its development of advanced enrichment capabilities have fueled international suspicion. From Israel's perspective, a nuclear-armed Iran, especially one whose leadership frequently issues strong anti-Israel rhetoric, poses an unacceptable risk. The fear is that such weapons could either be used directly against Israel or transferred to its proxies, fundamentally altering the regional balance of power and threatening Israel's security. This fear is a major component of why do Iran and Israel hate each other so profoundly.

Israel's Preventative Stance

So, Israel’s purpose behind preventing Iranian nuclear missiles is clear: to eliminate what it perceives as its greatest threat. This objective has driven Israel's robust intelligence operations, cyberattacks, and targeted assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists, as well as its vocal advocacy for international sanctions against Iran. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, even if it means taking unilateral military action. This preemptive posture further exacerbates tensions and contributes to the cycle of animosity, illustrating how this specific concern contributes to the overall answer to "why do Iran and Israel hate each other."

A Web of Alliances: Reshaping the Middle East

The conflict between Iran and Israel does not exist in a vacuum; it is deeply intertwined with broader regional dynamics and the shifting alliances within the Middle East. The rise of Iran as a regional power, particularly its influence through Shi'a proxies, has triggered a realignment of forces, leading to unexpected partnerships.

Iran's Proxy Conflict with Saudi Arabia and its Impact

Iran's proxy conflict with Saudi Arabia has led to an informal alliance between Israel and Arab states. Historically, Israel and Arab nations have been adversaries, primarily due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the shared perception of Iran as a common threat has begun to bridge these divides. Sunni Arab states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, view Iran's revolutionary ideology and its support for Shi'a militias as a destabilizing force in the region, threatening their own security and regional dominance. This convergence of interests has created a strategic alignment, where Israel and certain Arab states find themselves on the same side against Iran.

The Abraham Accords: A New Dynamic

The Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations (UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco), are a tangible manifestation of this evolving geopolitical landscape. While not explicitly stated as an anti-Iran pact, these agreements certainly reflect a willingness among some Arab states to prioritize cooperation with Israel over the Palestinian issue, largely driven by shared concerns about Iran. Several developments could change Iran's calculus regarding Israel, notably more Arabs' acceptance of the state of Israel and normalization of relations with it. This shifting dynamic further complicates the question of why do Iran and Israel hate each other, as it introduces new players and interests into the equation.

Beyond Arabs and Persians: Unpacking the Nuances

When discussing the Iran-Israel conflict, it's easy to fall into simplistic generalizations. However, understanding the nuances of identity, ethnicity, and religious divisions is crucial for a more complete picture. The conflict is not simply an "Arab-Israeli" one with Iran as an extension.

Shi'a vs. Sunni: A Historical Rift

A key distinction often overlooked is that Iranians are Persian, not Arab. This ethnic difference means that Iran's animosity towards Israel is not rooted in the same historical and cultural grievances that fuel the Arab-Israeli conflict. Furthermore, Iran is a Shi'a country, and the Sunni and Shi'a have been at war for centuries. This sectarian divide is a dominant feature of Middle Eastern politics. Additionally, most of Israel's enemies are Sunni, such as Hamas and various extremist groups. This means Iran's support for certain Sunni groups (like Hamas) is often a strategic alliance against a common enemy (Israel), rather than an indication of religious solidarity. This complex interplay of ethnic and religious identities adds another layer to the question of why do Iran and Israel hate each other, demonstrating that it's not a monolithic conflict.

The Jewish Community in Iran

Despite the fierce hostility between the two states, it's important to remember that a Jewish community has existed in Iran for millennia. Yet, after the Islamic Revolution, many Jews left the country due to the changed political and social climate. That said, even today, more than 20,000 Jews still live in Iran, making it one of the largest Jewish communities in the Middle East outside of Israel. This fact often surprises people and highlights the distinction between state-level animosity and the lives of ordinary citizens, further complicating the narrative of "hate."

The Propaganda War: Distraction and Internal Narratives

Beyond the geopolitical and ideological factors, an often-underestimated aspect of the Iran-Israel animosity is its utility as a tool for internal political control and external propaganda. Both governments, to varying degrees, benefit from the existence of a clear external enemy.

Governments Using External Enemies

Some analysts suggest that Iran attempts to create enemies for itself in the people's eye to make an excuse for what the government does. This narrative posits that by constantly highlighting external threats, such as Israel or America, the Iranian government can deflect attention from internal issues, economic hardship, or political dissent. The "everyone wants to wipe us out" narrative, often employed by some Israeli politicians, serves a similar purpose, fostering national unity and justifying certain policies or military actions. As long as the people are distracted with Israel or America or one of the million other false issues, they'll never focus on the issue of the government.

The Role of Public Perception

This strategic use of an external enemy shapes public perception and reinforces the narrative of deep-seated hatred. It creates a feedback loop where state-sponsored media and rhetoric perpetuate the animosity, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to see beyond the official narratives. This aspect of the conflict is crucial for understanding why do Iran and Israel hate each other, as it suggests that part of the animosity is a manufactured or amplified construct for political gain.

The Path Forward: Understanding and Intercession

The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel are a grave concern for the international community. The recent increase in hostility, particularly following Tehran’s unprecedented attack last weekend, has led world leaders to urge restraint. The UN was referring to the increased hostility between Israel and Iran, underscoring the global apprehension about this burgeoning conflict.

International Urges for Restraint

The global community recognizes the immense danger posed by a direct military confrontation between these two powers. The potential for regional destabilization and a wider conflict is immense. Therefore, diplomatic efforts, de-escalation calls, and attempts at mediation are crucial. Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind their animosity – from historical grievances and ideological clashes to proxy wars and nuclear fears – is the first step towards effective intercession. The question of "how can the answers inform our understanding of this burgeoning conflict and our intercession" becomes paramount.

The Need for Unity and Peace

Ultimately, while states engage in geopolitical power struggles, the human cost of conflict is borne by individuals. For peace to prevail, there must be a recognition of shared humanity and a commitment to dialogue over confrontation. As tensions rise between Israel and Iran over various flashpoints, the question is, what happens next? Perhaps a path forward lies in fostering understanding, even amidst deep disagreements. Our unity can project peace and tranquility, and it begins in Israel—in how we treat each other. We need a strong, positive connection among Jews, and indeed among all peoples, to counter the forces of division and hatred. The journey to understanding why do Iran and Israel hate each other is also a journey towards finding pathways to peace.

Conclusion

The deep-seated animosity between Iran and Israel is a complex tapestry woven from historical shifts, ideological clashes, geopolitical competition, and strategic fears. From an unexpected alliance forged against common Arab foes, their relationship was irrevocably transformed by Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ushered in an era of anti-Zionist fervor and support for Palestinian causes. This ideological divide fueled a decades-long proxy conflict across the Middle East, particularly evident in Syria and Yemen, and manifested in covert cyberattacks and sabotage.

At its core, Israel's profound fear of a nuclear-armed Iran drives its preventative actions, while Iran's revolutionary zeal and desire for regional influence underpin its stance against Israel. This rivalry has reshaped regional alliances, pushing some Arab states closer to Israel due to shared concerns about Iranian expansion. Yet, the conflict is not simply an Arab-Israeli one; it involves distinct Persian and Shi'a identities, and even within Iran, a Jewish community persists. Furthermore, the strategic use of external enemies by both governments for internal political purposes adds another layer to this intricate dynamic.

Understanding these multifaceted dimensions is crucial for comprehending one of the world's most dangerous rivalries. As international leaders urge restraint following recent escalations, the path forward demands a commitment to de-escalation, informed diplomacy, and a broader recognition of the shared human desire for peace. What are your thoughts on this enduring conflict? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and consider exploring our other articles on Middle Eastern geopolitics to deepen your understanding.

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