Does Iran want war with Israel? | ABC News Daily podcast

Almost a year since the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, war in the Middle East has escalated with Iran firing a wave of ballistic missiles at Israel. 


It follows Israel’s assassination of the leader of the Iranian-linked Hezbollah group in Lebanon and Israeli troops crossing the border with Lebanon in ground raids. 


So, what happens next and is there a way to avoid more bloodshed?


Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute explains why Israel might be stepping up strikes against Hezbollah now and why Iran might be holding back in its response. 


Dr Ibish discusses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon, emphasising the dire conditions and displacement of millions. 


He points out that Iran’s missile strikes may be more about domestic politics than actual military strategy. 


Featured: 


Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute 


Key Topics:

• Middle East war
• Iran-Israel tensions
• Hezbollah
• Gaza humanitarian crisis
• Lebanon displacement
• Israeli ground raids
• October 7 terrorist attack
• Benjamin Netanyahu