Iran vs Israel | What is happening? | Explained by Dhruv Rathee

Dhruv Rathee・2 minutes read

On October 1st, Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, resulting in significant destruction and a warning from Prime Minister Netanyahu of retaliation, amidst a backdrop of escalating regional conflict involving multiple countries and groups. The ongoing violence has led to heavy casualties, particularly among Palestinians, with over 41,000 reported deaths and more than 2 million displaced, while international concerns and calls for dialogue grow amid the threat of wider geopolitical instability.

Insights

  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered a significant missile attack on Israel involving over 180 ballistic missiles, which led to substantial destruction despite Israel's effective air defense systems, highlighting the ongoing escalation of a complex regional conflict involving multiple groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, and drawing attention to the potential for broader geopolitical implications.
  • The conflict has resulted in a staggering humanitarian toll, with over 41,000 Palestinians killed and more than 2 million displaced, underscoring the severe impact on civilians and the urgent need for international dialogue and adherence to humanitarian laws, as emphasized by the Indian government in response to the escalating violence.

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Recent questions

  • What is a ballistic missile?

    A ballistic missile is a type of weapon that is launched into the air and follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload to a predetermined target. These missiles are powered during the initial phase of flight and then follow a free-fall path, making them capable of traveling long distances. They can carry various types of warheads, including conventional explosives or nuclear payloads. Ballistic missiles are categorized based on their range, with short-range, medium-range, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) being the most common classifications. Their effectiveness is often determined by their speed, accuracy, and the ability to evade interception systems.

  • How does the Iron Dome work?

    The Iron Dome is an advanced air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range threats, such as rockets and artillery shells, before they can reach populated areas. It operates by detecting incoming projectiles using radar and then calculating their trajectory to determine if they pose a threat. If a threat is identified, the system launches interceptor missiles to neutralize the incoming projectile mid-air. The Iron Dome is particularly effective due to its ability to prioritize targets, only engaging those that are projected to hit populated areas, thus conserving resources and minimizing costs. This system has been crucial for Israel in protecting its civilian population from rocket attacks.

  • What is the significance of Hezbollah?

    Hezbollah is a powerful Shia militant group based in Lebanon, formed in the early 1980s, primarily in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. It has since evolved into a significant political and military force, recognized as a terrorist organization by many Western countries. Hezbollah's influence extends beyond military operations; it provides social services and has a substantial political presence in Lebanon. The group is known for its resistance against Israel and has been involved in various conflicts, often acting as a proxy for Iranian interests in the region. Its military capabilities and strategic alliances make it a key player in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.

  • What are the effects of regional conflicts?

    Regional conflicts can have profound and far-reaching effects on the countries involved and the broader international community. They often lead to significant loss of life, displacement of populations, and destruction of infrastructure. Economically, conflicts can disrupt trade, lead to increased military spending, and result in humanitarian crises, as seen with millions displaced and thousands killed. Additionally, regional conflicts can exacerbate existing tensions between different ethnic or religious groups, leading to further violence and instability. The geopolitical landscape may shift as countries take sides, potentially drawing in external powers and complicating diplomatic relations, which can hinder efforts for peace and reconciliation.

  • What is the role of international humanitarian laws?

    International humanitarian laws (IHL) are a set of rules that aim to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. They protect individuals who are not participating in hostilities, such as civilians, medical personnel, and aid workers, and restrict the means and methods of warfare. IHL seeks to ensure that all parties in a conflict adhere to principles of distinction, proportionality, and necessity, minimizing suffering and protecting human dignity. The enforcement of these laws is crucial for maintaining a semblance of order during conflicts and ensuring accountability for war crimes. Violations of IHL can lead to international condemnation and legal repercussions for those responsible.

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Summary

00:00

Iran's Missile Assault on Israel Escalates Conflict

  • On October 1st, over 180 ballistic missiles were launched towards Israel by Iran, under the direct order of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, with the IRGC claiming over 90% hit their targets, while Israel reported most were intercepted by its air defense systems.
  • The attack resulted in significant destruction, including a 30-foot deep crater near Mossad's headquarters, and targeted military bases in southern Israel's Negev desert, although Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu stated they would retaliate, asserting Iran made a grave mistake.
  • The conflict, which escalated from Hamas's attack last year, now involves multiple countries and groups, including Hezbollah and Houthis, leading to media claims of a potential World War 3, although the situation is more accurately described as a regional conflict.
  • Iran previously attacked Israel on April 13th, launching over 300 drones and missiles, a larger scale than the October attack, which included approximately 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 110 ballistic missiles, while media attention was diverted due to local elections.
  • The April attack was a response to an Israeli airstrike on April 1st in Damascus, which killed seven Iranian officers, including a top general, with Israel claiming the target was a military facility linked to Hezbollah.
  • Israel's defense systems include the Iron Dome, which intercepts short-range rockets within a 10 km radius, David Sling for medium to long-range threats up to 300 km, and the Arrow System, which can detect missiles from 2,400 km away and at altitudes of 100 km.
  • The Iron Dome's interception costs approximately $50,000 per missile, David Sling costs around $1 million per missile, and Arrow System missiles cost several million dollars, leading to a potential $200 million expenditure in a single day during the April attack.
  • Iran's recent missile capabilities include the 2023 Fatah hypersonic ballistic missiles, which can travel at 18,000 km/h, and the Shahab-3 missiles with a range exceeding 2,000 km, posing a significant threat to Israel.
  • Hezbollah, a powerful Shia militant group, has been involved in the conflict since its formation in 1982, and has been recognized as a terrorist organization by many Western countries, while the Houthis, founded in the 1990s, oppose Yemen's government and are also considered terrorists by several nations.
  • The geopolitical landscape features Saudi Arabia and Iran as opposing superpowers, with Saudi Arabia supporting governments in Yemen and Iraq, while Iran backs rebel groups, reflecting the broader Sunni-Shia divide in the region.

13:58

Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in 2024

  • Between 7th October 2023 and 22nd September 2024, 41,431 Palestinians were killed, with over half being children and women, while more than 2 million people have been displaced due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
  • Jonathan Glaser, a Jewish film director, won an Oscar for his film "The Zone of Interest," which addresses the Holocaust and critiques the use of its legacy to justify violence against other communities, urging viewers to watch it.
  • The conflict escalated with Hezbollah's power leading to over 80,000 Israelis evacuating their homes due to daily rocket fire, while the Houthis disrupted Red Sea trade, causing nearly $1 trillion in losses, and Iran officially threatened retaliation against Israel on April 14, 2024.
  • A series of high-profile assassinations occurred, including Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas and several Hezbollah leaders, culminating in airstrikes that killed IRGC Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan and Hezbollah's top leader Hassan Nasrallah, with ongoing airstrikes resulting in around 1,000 deaths in Lebanon by the end of September.
  • The Indian government expressed concern over the escalating conflict, advising citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and emphasizing the need for dialogue and adherence to international humanitarian laws, while highlighting the suffering of innocent civilians amidst the retaliatory violence.
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