*Israel Hits Hard, but Big Confrontation is Ruled Out

Israeli attack on Iranian targets including its second biggest city Isfahan could have trigger a bigger confrontation in the West Asian region; however, Tehran’s measured response rules out any such possibility immediately.

Admittedly, the situation causes concerns, but the reports that Israel has requested Russia to use its good offices to prevent the spread of the conflict indicates that uncertainties may continue, but none is keen for a wide scale flareup. Few in the region are ready to convert the limited military operations against the terrorists under the banner of HAMAS, into a full-fledged confrontation between Iran and the much hated Jewish’ state. The Arab countries too have lost interest in continuing confrontation with Israel, especially following the Abrahamic Accord signed in 2020 accepting Israel’s existence. In 2022, UAE and Oman had formally recognised Israel. Saudi Arabia could have also established diplomatic ties with Israel, if the US could help it in establishing nuclear facilities. Saudi Arabia’s argument is that Iran despite being a signatory to the Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) could embark upon developing enriched Uranium, which could enable it to develop atom bomb, it should be allowed to develop the technology.

Amidst the growing tension of n the region, the presence of a high-power Saudi delegation in Islamabad during the third week of April has drawn worldwide attention. It was led by its

Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan with the much pronounced agenda to save Pakistan from financial collapse. The delegation, which comprised bankers and corporate leaders discussed the possibility of injecting huge investments. However, the delegation has indicated that if Pakistani want the Arabiian investments , they too have to mend their internal as well as external policies.

Theresource-starved Pakistan cannot ignore the political developments in the neighborhood.The significance of the visit can be judged by the fact that it has taken place within weeks after the visit of Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the army chief General Asim Munir to Saudi Arabia. They had visited the country as pilgrims during the holy month of Ramadan seeking financial grants from the host country. The Saudi Arabian leaders refused to offer any Jakat or free grant, but asked them to learn trade and promote modern agriculture.

It is learnt that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salaman, the de-facto ruler of this holy land of the followers of Islam, has promised to bail out the country by offering huge investments. He has sent agriculture experts and the financial experts to explore the,l sectors, where the Saudi investments could be safe. He,however, has refused to offer any grants to rescue the country’s perennial sick economy. It is believed that in recent months, both Saudi Arabia and UAE, have been telling the Pakistani establishment i.e. army headquarters or GHQ for mending it’s estranged ties with India.

MBS Follows Lawrence of Arabia

During the World War two years, Colonel T.E. Lawrence had played a crucial role in dismembering the Ottoman Empire as well as establishing the Saudi Kingdom. Before joining the army which enabled him to accomplish the two missions, he had walked nearly 1500 kilometres in the West Asian region visiting the places where crusades were fought against the Turks.

He had realised that the Ottoman Empire was so entrenched in the region, including a huge part of Eurasia that unless a parallel centre of power is not set up, it would be impossible to assert British power in the region.

Even before the conclusion of the World War one, he had camped at Hejaz and finally brought the warring Arabian tribes under one umbrella; thus the kingdom of Saudi Arabia was established. For almost a century, it has been a close ally of the western powers, first led by Britain and now the USA.

MBS has also encouraged brother countries in the Arab World to establish diplomatic ties with Israel. Meanwhile , he also decided to re-establish ties with Tehran under the Chinese guarantees. He has deliberately withheld recognition to Israel awaiting massive technological support accompanied by nuclear facilities from the USA.

The HAMAS Attack

It cannot be denied that the terrorists attack under the banner of HAMAS, a Sunni outfit supported by the Houthis, a Shia terrorist group, has upset MBS’s ambitious plans for the region. It may be recalled that MBS had launched an offensive against the Houthis, who were fighting against Yemen’s president, Abdullah, but couldn’t succeed due to massive support of Iran.

The situation has further worsened following the recent Israeli attack on Iran’s diplomatic mission in Lebanon. It is stated that more than half -a-dozen top military generals were eliminated during this attack. It was followed by Iran’s massive air attack on Israel, finally reciprocated on Friday by bombing Iranian targets. Earlier , the Iranian attack was foiled by Israel’s iron done as well as by the US and British missiles and drones.

The Saudi stand has been that it was not taken in confidence before the HAMAS terrorists attack on Israel. The cowardice act, perhaps ,was done with the consent of Tehran’s proxies in the region. It also goes against the Abrahamic Accord signed between Israel and the Arab countries.

 On its part, Iran hasn’t condemned the terrorists’ attack l, it has continued  it’s material support to the terrorists through its proxies in the region, thus exposing it’s support and alignment with the terrorists’ groups.

Meanwhile, the renewal of India -Pakistan ties under the Arabiian umbrella may go against the Iranian wishes.

Gopal Misra has been associated with national and international media. His books on journalism and geo-politics have been well-appreciated. Views are personal.