Iran-Backed Attacks Risk Escalating Israel-Hamas Conflict
Amid the Israel-Gaza war, terrorist attacks in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen on October 18-22 targeted or came near U.S. forces in the Middle East. The concurrent Iran-backed attacks against U.S. forces and Israel strongly indicate the Iranian regime is seeking to gauge and erode U.S. willingness to continue supporting Israel’s self-defense and deter further U.S. deployments to the region or military action to support Israel and prevent Iran from escalating the conflict. The United States should bolster its military and diplomatic support for Israel and use consistent, strong military force against any group that endangers U.S. service members.
Authors
Ari Cicurel – Assistant Director of Foreign Policy