Why Does Iran Want to Destroy Israel?

Tensions in the Middle East are high again. Iran has threatened to strike Israel. It blames Israel for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

On April 13 this year, Iran even fired ballistic missiles at Israel. Iran has been hostile to Israel since the Islamic Revolution. So the big question is simple. Why does Iran want to destroy Israel?

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the military parade (Wikimedia)

A Friendship Turned into Hostility

To understand this hatred, we need to look back. Before 1979, Iran and Israel were partners. Under the Shah, the two countries got along well. They worked together on military and economic matters. The Shah's Iran even sold oil to Israel.

That friendship ended overnight with the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Ayatollah Khomeini came back from exile in France and took power. Don't confuse him with today's leader, Khamenei.

Khomeini set up the Islamic Republic of Iran. His regime called Israel the "Little Satan." It called the United States the "Great Satan."

Khomeini landing in Iran, 1979 (Public domain)

Ideological Reasons

Khomeini's views came from radical Islamic ideology. He saw Israel as a colony and a tool of the West, mainly the United States. That idea has been passed down for decades. It is still at the heart of Iran's foreign policy.

But it is simply wrong. Israel is not a colony. It is the ancient homeland of the Jewish people. Jews have lived in this land for thousands of years. The modern State of Israel is the Jewish people ruling their own land again.

Today's leaders in Tehran see Israel as the main thing blocking their plan to rule the region. By posing as Israel's biggest enemy, Iran wants to lead the Muslim world.

It also wants to spread its Shiite revolution. This hostile stance helps Iran win over armed groups that hate Israel, like Hezbollah and Hamas. That gives Iran more power and control in the region.

One notable quote from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, about Israel is: "Israel is a malignant cancerous tumor that must be removed and eradicated: it is possible, and it will happen." This quote reflects the extreme hostility of the Iranian leadership towards Israel.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left), Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah (center), and Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani (right). This photo is believed to have been taken in Tehran (Wikimedia)

Political and Strategic Motives

Iran's hatred of Israel also serves a political goal. The regime has many problems at home, like a weak economy and public anger. By pointing at Israel as the enemy, the regime tries to unite its people. It wants them to look away from the problems at home.

Iran also fights Israel through proxies. It gives money, weapons and training to Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen and Shiite militias in Iraq. These groups attack Israel for Iran. That way Iran keeps the war going without fighting Israel directly.

The Iranian People vs. The Regime

We must separate the Iranian regime from the Iranian people. Many Iranians reject their rulers' extreme views. They don't want to destroy Israel. In fact, many Iranians openly oppose the Ayatollah's rule.

The Iranian people have protested again and again, even under brutal crackdowns. They suffer from sanctions and from a regime that crushes dissent.

Many are angry that their rulers spend money on wars abroad instead of fixing life at home. Iranians know their problems don't come from Israel. They come from Tehran and its radical Islamist rulers.

Uprising in Tehran, Keshavarz Boulvard September 2022 (Wikimedia)

A Biblical Perspective

The Bible provides insight into the conflict between Israel and its enemies. In Psalm 83:4, it says, "Come, they say, let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more." This verse hits at the heart of the struggle, reflecting the age-old desire to erase Israel.

However, Israel has shown remarkable resilience and continues to thrive despite numerous challenges. No matter how hard the Islamic regime tries to destroy Israel - they keep on failing, and guess what? They will keep on failing.

The growing anger inside Iran also gives hope for change. The world should stand with Iranians who want freedom and a better life. Doing that weakens the regime and helps bring peace to the region.

So why does Iran want to destroy Israel? The reasons are history, ideology, strategy and politics. The regime is a real threat. But we must remember that the Iranian people are not their government. They want peace, a good life and freedom from oppression.

Iran solidairty protests 22 October 2022 in Berlin (Wikimedia)

In these hard times, let us pray for the safety of Israel. Let us also pray for the freedom and well-being of the Iranian people.

Psalm 122:6 says, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure." With unity, strength and justice, we can defeat hatred and build a better future for everyone.

Consider supporting Israel by visiting TheIsraelStore.com and supporting local businesses who are facing hardships in this war.

Get the facts: The Israel Iran War Explained, from the Israel 101 resource library.