Iran says it is satisfied with destabilization of situation in Israel

The Minister of Defense and Logistics of the Iranian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani, said that the "Resistance Axis" (the common name for militants affiliated with Iran) has successfully destabilized and isolated Israel after the Hamas attack.

This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Ashtiani asserted that the al Aqsa Flood attack has reduced Jewish migration to and within Israel by creating economic, political, and security crises for Israel. He also claimed that the war has stirred up anti-Israeli sentiment around the world and undermined the credibility of the Israeli government.

Finally, Ashtiani noted that the failures of the Israeli army and intelligence after October 7 provide lessons for future actions against it. Iranian state media widely disseminated Ashtiani's message.

"This statement is consistent with CTP-ISW's assessment that Hamas is trying to prolong its war against Israel to create time for Hamas to rally support from its foreign partners and international actors," analysts said.

The ISW also noted that Ashtiani's statement is also consistent with Iran's grand strategic goal of international isolation and the ultimate destruction of the Israeli state.

"Ashtiani’s statement is especially noteworthy given his position in the Iranian regime. Ashtiani previously served as deputy chief of the Armed Forces General Staff from 2019 to 2021 before becoming defense minister. The position of defense minister is often a stepping stone into increasingly influential positions in Iran. Numerous Iranian defense ministers have later served as personal advisors to the supreme leader, for instance," ISW explained.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 20/11/2023