The Impact of Iran's Protests on Israeli and Palestinian Perspectives

In Tehran, traffic winds past billboards in Palestine Square displaying anti-U.S. and anti-Israel messages, alongside portraits of Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists who lost their lives in Israeli attacks earlier this year.

In the West Bank city of Ramallah, regional politicians are keeping a close watch on major demonstrations unfolding in Iran, as rumors circulate about potential U.S. military action.

Israeli defense and political leaders, given Iran's historical opposition to Israel, express significant support for the protestors.

"Israel has long aimed for regime destabilization or change in Iran," notes a senior analyst specializing in Israeli affairs at the International Crisis Group.

Contrasting with Israeli sentiments, Palestinians in the Israeli-controlled West Bank express a desire for the Iranian regime to remain and for the demonstrations to subside.

Abu Akram, a driver transporting goods from Jordan, rhetorically questions which entities have effectively challenged Israel. He cites Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah, emphasizing Iran's support for these groups.

Hezbollah's presence in the Middle East was historically significant as a non-governmental power, but its influence has considerably diminished following recent conflicts with Israel.

Estimates from human rights organizations suggest considerable fatalities during the ongoing Iranian protests, yet a severe communication blackout hinders confirmation of these figures.

In a recent gathering at Mar-a-Lago, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu engaged with former U.S. President Trump, who hinted at potential U.S. military responses to Iranian actions, while conveying support to Iranian protestors via social media, promising aid.

Last June witnessed a missile exchange between Iran and Israel during their 12-day clash, causing damage to urban areas in both countries and civilian casualties.

During a discussion at Mar-a-Lago, an Israel Policy Forum fellow highlighted that while most regional fronts exhibited restraint, Iran remained an exception in response strategies.

Reports suggest that Netanyahu is contemplating additional military actions against Iran due to suspicions of Tehran restoring its nuclear sites.

Zonszein, an observer of the situation, regards Israel's approach — combining military action and economic pressures as identified in June — as temporarily successful against Iran. However, she emphasizes Israel's cautious reassessment pending the U.S. government's decisions.

Zonszein adds, "Militarily dismantling the regime won’t simply eliminate its hold. Any abrupt leadership removal could lead to heightened instability or even worse outcomes."

Many in the Palestinian community conclude that even if Iran's current regime crumbles, any successor government may not champion Palestinian statehood.

Ramallah shop manager Ibrahim Issa pessimistically opines that any government succeeding Iran's might fail to support Palestinian causes, especially if influenced by U.S. intervention.