Negotiations between Israel and the United States
According to Axios, in the latest telephone conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden, an important compromise was reportedly reached on a possible attack on Iran. Israeli officials are reported to be in a positive mood about the developments, while White House sources supported this with the statement that the situation is “moving in the right direction”. Earlier this week, the Pentagon emphasised that Israel had been directly attacked by Iran and that the final decision on how to retaliate rested with Israel. After these statements, it became a matter of curiosity how the US would support any attack on Iran.
While the dispatch of US Air Force fighters, tankers and bombers to military bases in the Middle East with the necessary personnel continued unabated, the Israeli Security Cabinet held a night meeting. At this meeting, Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant were not authorised to retaliate against Iran, but the message was that the cabinet could reconvene before Yom Kippur.
Evaluations with Journalist Gökhun Göçmen
We talked to journalist and writer Gökhun Göçmen about the developments in the Middle East, Israel’s situation under the threat of retaliation, the diplomatic contacts between the Gulf countries and Iran, the initiatives of the People’s Republic of China in this process and the steps taken by BRICS.
Possible Attack on Yom Kippur
Gokhun Gocmen, assessing a possible Israeli retaliation against Iran, stated that an attack could take place on the anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. This date is of symbolic importance for Israel:
- “We need to look at what Israel wants. According to reports in the media today, there are indications that Israel may attack Iran.”
- “There has been a week of intense diplomacy. It was decided in the meeting between Biden and Netanyahu and there are reports that the attack will be organised tonight, on Yom Kippur, the holy day of the Jews.”
- “In 1973, the conflict between Arab states and Israel started on Yom Kippur. Israel could therefore attack Iran today, perhaps as a reference to its victory in 1973.”
Israel’s Ultimate Goal
According to Göçmen, Israel’s ultimate goal is to involve the United States in the conflict with all its might and to neutralise Iran:
- “Israel is engaged in a major showdown with Iran. It wants the US to be fully involved and wants to destroy Iran.”
- “Israel is pursuing a policy of dehumanisation and decentralisation in Gaza. It wants to drive its inhabitants into the Sinai desert and annex the territory.”
- “They are also in a showdown with Hezbollah.”
China’s Role and Diplomatic Initiatives
Gökhun Göçmen drew attention to the importance of China’s initiatives on the Palestinian issue:
- “China continues to seek a solution to the Palestinian issue through indirect and direct steps. Iran-Saudi peace has had positive repercussions on the Palestinian issue.”
- “China’s bringing together 14 Palestinian resistance groups is important for the development of the understanding of a common state organisation.”
- “After the 7 October Aksa Flood, China took one indirect and two direct steps to try to change the course of events.”
China’s Meetings and the Two-State Solution
Noting that China’s initiatives are particularly effective in the field of two-state solution, Göçmen said that Europe also plays an important role in this regard:
- “China hosted 14 Palestinian organisations and brought them together in Beijing. Palestinian organisations have shown the will to unite.”
- “For a two-state solution to be realised, Israel must give its consent, which at the moment seems impossible.”
Israel has no desire for peace
Gökhun Göçmen emphasised that Israel does not want peace and that this creates a major problem at the international level:
- “Israel is using Hamas as an excuse and aims to expand. It wants to expand its borders up to Damascus.”
- “The US gives Israel all kinds of support. Therefore, it is not possible to talk about a structure that wants peace.”
Gulf States and the Peace Equation
He said that the Gulf countries, Iran and China did not want the peace equation to be disrupted:
- “The Gulf states do not want their territory to be used in any attack on Iran.”
- “China is continuing its peace efforts and wants to safeguard its gains.”
BRICS and New World Order
Noting that BRICS has come to the fore as an important political actor, Göçmen stated that Turkey’s interest in BRICS has increased:
- “BRICS held an emergency session on the Palestinian issue and emphasised the two-state solution.”
- “With the Kazan summit to be attended by President Erdoğan, BRICS will be on Turkey’s agenda more.”
