Assassinations are sometimes a way to send a message, and not necessarily the result of the target posing an immediate threat. Sometimes, there might be more to the equation, which could be a possible explanation for the recent developments vis-à-vis Iran.
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From afar, it might seem like just another round of tensions between the ayatollah regime and its enemies, but a closer look reveals that this time, there is a new element at play.
Because if Israel is indeed responsible for the elimination of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps officer Col. Hassan Sayyad Khodaei earlier this week, as world media suggested, then the act seems to be changing the balance of power between Jerusalem and Tehran.
Let's backtrack. In March 2022, there were reports of severe damaged caused to an Iranian drone base, the timing of which was not incidental, as shortly before, Iran had attempted to launch a drone attack on Israel.
Meanwhile, Iranian attempts to harm Israelis and Jewish officials abroad have also been uncovered recently, such as on Istanbul-based tycoon Yair Geller and Cyprus-based Teddy Sagi, who were rescued at the last minute, as well as Jewish-French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy, and others. Here too, it seems someone wanted to convey the message that aggressive acts against Israel will not go unanswered, which is possibly what led to the elimination of Khodaei.
The direct attack on Iranian forces is not incidental. They reflect a strategic change in approach, designed to target not only the arms of the octopus but its very head.
For decades, Iran has built and operated a strategy of precision against Israel. It has surrounded our country with aggressive proxies: Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militia in Syria.
It also hopes to one day add to that a nuclear threat, so even if they have nothing to do with Iran's nuclear program, anyone involved in trying to harm Israel will be sent to meet the 72 virgins.
Instead of playing in the sandbox Iran has built for us, we should hit it in its own home. This is the strategy Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has been talking about for years. It seems Israel is finally beginning to implement it.
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Just this week, a mysterious incident occurred at the Parchin nuclear facility, so the claim that Israel has ceased targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure is probably untrue. Someone wants to make it clear to senior Iranian officials that they are exposed even at home. That they face danger at all times and in all places.
Although this change is refreshing, at the end of the day, Iran is a massive country located far away from Israel and close to developing a nuclear bomb. With or without a nuclear agreement, decapitating the octopus will not be easy.
