How Will Iran React to Israel’s Escalating Strikes on Its Proxies?

Israel is intensifying its military operations against Iran-supported groups, including launching a limited ground invasion into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah and executing long-range strikes on Houthi forces in Yemen. These actions come amid growing concerns about a potential extensive regional conflict.

Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Hamas, which initiated attacks on Israel on October 7, are part of the “Axis of Resistance” backed by Iran, which includes various Islamist militias across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen.

Over the past year, Hezbollah and the Houthis have frequently attacked Israel, pledging to continue their assaults until the conflict in Gaza concludes.

Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticized Iran. In a broadcast speech, he expressed solidarity with the Iranian populace, bypassing any intermediaries, and urged them to oppose their leadership. Netanyahu also reiterated his warning about Israel’s capability to strike targets anywhere in the Middle East.

A U.S. senior official disclosed to CNN that if Iran perceives a threat of losing Hezbollah in this conflict, it might directly intervene. The ongoing Israeli operations have significantly reduced Hezbollah’s capabilities, removing hundreds of their fighters from the field.

During an operation that eliminated Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah, a high-ranking officer from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp was also killed.

In retaliation, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has threatened Israel with severe repercussions.