Israel targets Iranian Consulate in Syria
After October 7 attacks on Israel by the Hamas, Israel changed its policies especially regarding the national security and safety for its interest. Since the war began in Gaza almost six months ago, the conflicts have risen every passing day including against the Iran backed Hezbollah and of course against Hamas which is also backed by Iran as well. Israel’s response to any kind of potential risks towards its national security had been harsh and very direct. However, these direct responses to terminate the risks might be overreaching and undermining international laws around the globe.
Recently, Israel targeted Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria with an airstrike which killed twelve people including two Iranian generals and one Lebanese Hezbollah militant. A Syrian official stated on Tuesday that the strike also claimed the lives of four Syrian civilians, although he did not provide any specifics. Hezbollah, a vital ally of Iran and the administration of Syrian President Bashar Assad, also promised Israel “punishment and revenge.”[1] This attack points an increased tension between Iran and Israel since Iran supports Hezbollah and several other militant groups fighting in Gaza. However, what does it all mean for the global politics and international law since Israel carries air strikes on another nation’s consulate which located yet in another nation’s capital?
Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus is significant to further discuss the international principles and the possible extent of the actions revolving around national security. From the perspective of Israel, their military actions can be described as self-defence against possible threats that might endanger their stability, security, territory and citizens which is protected by the Article 51 of the United Nations (UN) Charter, fundamentally gives the states the right to self-defence in an event of an armed assault against them until the Security Council of the UN takes the appropriate actions to uphold global peace and security.
However, what is the extent of this right? If one state overreaches this right to use it to preemptable strike targets on a diplomatic consulate without pointing transparent proof while endangering the sovereignty of another nation, can this mean that after the October 7 attacks the rules of the international community started to change or even fade? The recent strike of the military of Israel can also be based around the complexity of the conflicts between Hamas and Israel since there are several non-state actors operating and influencing the area in total. Its is evident that deciphering who is supporting who is especially hard to find out. In light of these, the hostilities and the existence of various actors makes this conflict extremely complex especially through the lenses of the international laws.
On the other hand, coordinating and executing a military air strike on a diplomatic consulate of a nation which is located in another nation while also killing and endangering civilians is highly provocative. Traditionally, consulates are protected entities under the international laws and Israel’s recent action raises several eye browns on what the extent of these norms in the times of complex conflicts like this can be. Moreover, The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, ensures the inviolability of diplomatic premises. Israel’s actions clash with this norm while breaking down the international order and might escalate another conflict in the Middle East. Furthermore, the methods of the Israeli military might undermine the regional and international stability because of their actions defies various international laws. It is understandable that the October 7 attacks of Hamas effected Israel’s policies greatly, but it should not make a country to ignore the international order at all or else the cycle of instability and conflict would continue even longer.
In conclusion, the situation brewing within the Middle East continues to challenge the delinquent balance between national security and the respect over the international law. Either the UN Security Council should step in to find a middle ground in this situation or both sides should agree on ceasefire or the October 7 attacks’ effects over the Israel and Gaza will continue to destabilize the region and the respect over the international laws and norms. Ensuring the actions taken in the name of national security should not shake the foundations of international norms and if these kinds of actions spread even further it would almost be like there are no rules left.
By The World Forum on Peace and Security
[1] https://apnews.com/article/iran-syria-israel-hezbollah-gaza-damascus-f7a1af3a9fc67de1962d4f1589d7e9f0
