New Journal Article: Islamic State, al-Qaeda and War With Israel
I have a new journal article out in the Middle East Quarterly regarding the topic of how the Islamic State and al-Qaeda conceive of war with Israel, particularly in the wake of the Hamas-led 7 October attack and Israel’s subsequent war in Gaza, as well as Israel’s conflict with the wider ‘axis of resistance’ (including the war with Hezbollah in Lebanon). The article then explains the practical implications of the two groups’ views on war with Israel, in particular the question of attacks against Western and Jewish targets. Note that the article was written prior to the agreement of the ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and also prior to the fall of the Assad regime.
It’s a very informative and well-written article. Daesh and Hamas have been low-key brawling in the Sinai Peninsula for some time. Exploring the nuances between the different Islamic groups is important (if only we could get our respective politicians to pay attention). That said, it’s a bit disingenuous to suggest that the Greater Israel theory is a “conspiracy theory.” It has been openly discussed and even endorsed by current Israeli figures and organizations, most recently Finance Minister Smotrich. It is an idea that dates back several decades, often framed under the guise of state security (e.g., the Yinon Plan).
And for God’s sake Aymenn, we know who you’re writing for, but footnotes saturated with Daniel Pipes references seem both gratuitous and self-serving.