Deterrence
TEHRAN: Mohammad al-Hindi, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement, recently made significant comments regarding the shifting dynamics of power in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran.
In an interview with Al Mayadeen, he elaborated on these changes, stating that new geopolitical realities are emerging that challenge Israel’s traditional stance in the region.
Al-Hindi expressed skepticism about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s intentions, accusing him of attempting to provoke a regional conflict while simultaneously claiming to seek a resolution that avoids widespread war.
“Netanyahu wants to drag the region into war, but he talks about a decisive response that does not lead to a regional war. How is that possible?” al-Hindi questioned. He further argued that Israel’s strategic weight and influence have been waning at all levels, which complicates its position in the region.
Discussing the global context, al-Hindi noted that the United States, Israel’s principal ally, is currently not in its strongest position, which impacts Israel’s ability to dominate regional affairs.
He criticized the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and Palestine, describing them as crimes committed with the backing and support of Western countries, thereby implicating them in these activities.
Al-Hindi emphasized that Gaza represents a significant challenge for Israel, describing it as “the most painful area for Israel,” where local groups have managed to continue their resistance despite severe restrictions, including producing their own weapons.
With the U.S. heading into an election year, al-Hindi mentioned that America is particularly averse to regional conflicts at this time, which influences its diplomatic engagements in the Middle East.
He pointed out that both American and Israeli strategies aim to secure the release of captives at minimal costs, but stressed that the control over this issue firmly remains in the hands of Palestinian groups.
He was critical of the peace proposals mediated between the parties, labeling them as biased towards Israeli interests and containing deceptive terms. Al-Hindi boldly declared that Israel’s deterrence capabilities against Iran have effectively ended, placing the Israeli regime in a dilemma with limited options available.
“The face and position of Israel, as well as its strategic weight, have weakened, and many countries will reconsider their calculations regarding this regime after the end of the war,” he asserted.
Furthermore, al-Hindi spoke about the ongoing negotiations, mentioning that the resistance has presented a transparent response to proposed plans, advocating for a withdrawal from Gaza which should be implemented progressively along with a ceasefire.
He concluded by underscoring that the Israeli regime would ultimately have to confront the repercussions of its perceived retreats and that the cost of this perceived defeat will have to be borne by Israel. “We have more time ahead of us for Israel to realize that it must pay the price for this defeat,” al-Hindi concluded, indicating a prolonged struggle and continued resistance against Israeli policies in the region.
