Ruth Wasserman Lande: So, allow me to point out that there is a difference in how the attack is perceived by people who may not be very familiar with its objectives, the extent of the damage inflicted, and other relevant factors. To some, it may appear limited compared to their expectations. However, in my humble opinion, the attack has indeed met its objectives, especially given the constraints associated with the upcoming U.S. elections.
First, allow me to say that the Iranians, or rather the Islamic Republic of Iran, have been attacking Israel for a very long time. Even before October 7th, rockets were raining down on civilians in southern Israel, and everyone seemed to accept this as a normal state of affairs that Israeli civilians should simply endure. However, October 7th has been a turning point.
I foresee that, at least for the time being, there will likely be calm until the American elections. However, I don’t believe this marks the end of the tit-for-tat exchanges, as you called them, between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran. One reason for this is Iran’s obsessive aggression against Israel.
Published in BBC – The Newshour, 26 October 2024.