No Proxies, No Problem: Israel's Airstrikes Signal the Beginning of Tehran's Decline

 

Israel’s airstrikes on Hamas leadership prove that the only language Iran and its proxies understand is force—and Israel speaks it fluently. In plain terms, the death of Yahya Sinwar, if confirmed, shows that Israel has dismantled the operational core of Hamas, leaving Iran with little more than hollow threats. 

The Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah conflict is reaching new levels of complexity, with Yahya Sinwar—the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attacks—potentially killed in a recent Israeli airstrike. This has become a turning point for Israel, as Sinwar's death would not only eliminate a central figure but also deal a symbolic blow to Hamas’s command structure. Sinwar orchestrated one of the deadliest terrorist operations in Israel's history, taking 1,200 lives and capturing over 200 hostages, and his elimination would demonstrate Israel’s precision in targeting enemies at the core of its conflict.

Yet, this development is not only about decapitation strikes in Gaza. It has broader implications for Iran, which has long operated behind proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah to challenge Israel. Iran's credibility is faltering: despite its support for Hamas, it has been unable to shield its allies from Israel’s relentless attacks, showing cracks in the network of proxies it painstakingly cultivated. Israel’s surgical operations in Gaza and Lebanon have methodically undermined Iran’s influence, suggesting that Tehran cannot protect those who carry out its agenda. Such decapitation strikes are not just military victories—they are strategic messages that Israel is willing to dismantle Iran’s regional ambitions piece by piece.

Iran retaliated with a brazen ballistic missile assault on October 1, 2024, unleashing 200 missiles on Israeli targets. Despite this, Israel intercepted the vast majority, minimizing casualties and damage. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stern response—calling it a “big mistake”—underscores Israel's resolve to hit back decisively. With Iran struggling to land a meaningful blow, Israel now faces critical decisions about its next move. It can pursue one or several targets from four “baskets”: Iran’s leadership, its nuclear infrastructure, military installations, and the Revolutionary Guard. Each option would send a distinct message, with escalating consequences for Iran’s ambitions across the Middle East.

The tension between Israel and the Biden administration also looms large. Washington is reportedly advising Israel to avoid striking Iran's nuclear and energy infrastructure, wary of igniting a broader conflict. Yet, Israel must chart its own course, prioritizing national security over diplomatic caution. Israeli leaders are unlikely to heed U.S. advice if it conflicts with their survival strategy. “The Biden administration should stay in its lane,” critics say, as Israel's interests will not be subordinated to American political calculations. The proverb “He who wears the shoe knows where it pinches” aptly applies—Israel alone bears the immediate risk of Iranian aggression.

Meanwhile, the geopolitical chessboard is shifting as Israel tactically drives a wedge between Iran and its proxies. The airstrikes targeting Hamas and Hezbollah demonstrate that Iran's regional strategy is being neutralized step by step. Hezbollah has already suffered losses in southern Lebanon under Israeli drone strikes, adding to the disarray within Iran's network of allies. The cracks in this proxy system may soon widen as Israel continues to assert dominance, making Tehran’s task of keeping these groups united increasingly difficult.

Israel’s focus is also shifting toward retrieving hostages taken during the October 7 raid. These captives remain a grim reminder of the brutality unleashed by Hamas, and the IDF has pledged to prioritize their safe return. Israel’s counteroffensive is not just about eliminating threats but about restoring national dignity. Every hostage brought home would be a victory, reinforcing the message that Israel does not abandon its citizens under any circumstances.

Israel’s strategy moving forward will test the limits of its alliances, diplomacy, and military prowess. As Tehran flounders, Israel’s campaign chips away at the myth of invincibility Iran once projected. Whether by decapitating proxy leaders or neutralizing missile threats, Israel is sending a clear message: it will act with precision and decisiveness, even when the odds seem daunting. Those expecting Israel to temper its response may find themselves mistaken. As Netanyahu himself warned, “We will respond, and Iran will pay.”

In the end, Israel’s actions reflect an understanding that in the game of survival, hesitation is not an option. The situation recalls the old saying, “If the lion doesn't roar, the forest will laugh.” Israel, roaring loudly, will not allow its enemies the luxury of thinking they have the upper hand. As hostilities continue and decisions about a strike on Iran loom, one thing is clear: this conflict will not be dictated by outside powers. Israel is steering its own course—and if the Biden administration tries to interfere, it might just find itself left behind, watching Israel rewrite the rules of the Middle East on its own terms.