Concerns are rising regarding the escalating violence involving Israel and the perceived lack of strong condemnation from the West. The recent attack on Iran, following events in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria, has heightened tensions and sparked debate about the permissibility of Israeli actions and the international response.
The attack on Iran has caused mixed reactions, with some Iranians viewing the deaths of hard-line commanders as justice, while others fear the potential for a wider conflict. Air raid sirens sounded in Tehran and other cities, causing civilian casualties and evoking memories of past attacks. The prospect of war between Israel and Iran is causing serious concern among the Iranian population, who yearn for peace and a normal life.
The timing of the attack coincided with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing domestic challenges, including a dispute over military service for Orthodox Jews. Some observers suggest that the attack on Iran may be a distraction from Netanyahu’s political troubles, drawing parallels to fictional scenarios where leaders start wars to maintain power. Netanyahu is deliberately jeopardizing the safety of ‘his’ citizens, as well as the armed peace.
Critics argue that Israel’s actions are met with less condemnation than similar actions by other countries, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Some question the justification for preemptive strikes and the lack of strong EU condemnation and sanctions against Israel. The blocking of Greta Thunberg and her allies’ action by Israel, with accompanying arrests, is also considered the most normal thing in the world.
Individuals express conflicting emotions and perspectives, with some questioning the difference between Israeli actions and those of other nations, while others highlight the potential consequences of Iran developing nuclear weapons. Dutch participants were abruptly expelled from the country by Egypt. The situation has sparked a debate about the fairness and consistency of international responses to conflict and aggression.