As of October 1, 2024, Israel is confronted with an unprecedented and multi-faceted threat from the Iranian regime and its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah—the world’s largest non-state military.

According to Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY), this organization receives funding, training, weapons, and instructions directly from the Iranian regime.

JCRC-NY noted that the crisis unfolds against significant dates: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins on the evening of October 2, while October 7 marks the somber anniversary of the devastating Hamas attacks on Israel in 2023.

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This convergence of religious observance and a tragic remembrance heightens concerns about potential attacks during this sensitive period.

In recent months, Israel has taken decisive actions to counter the growing threat posed by Hezbollah. These include precision strikes on Hezbollah’s guided munition facilities in Lebanon, multiple air raids on positions, command centers, and weapons depots, targeted eliminations of high-ranking Hezbollah leaders—including the reported assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s long-time Secretary-General—and limited ground operations in southern Lebanon aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure and personnel. Retaliatory attacks from the Iranian regime and Hezbollah have already occurred, involving large-scale missile strikes and terrorist attacks in Israeli cities.

Incursions reminiscent of the October 7, 2023 attacks remain a potent threat. Notably, hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles have landed in Israel, targeting civilian infrastructure across the North, Center, and South. Approximately 67,500 Israelis have been evacuated from their homes near the Hezbollah-controlled Lebanese border.

This explainer serves to provide context and clarity on the rapidly evolving situation and its profound implications for regional stability and global security.

As community leaders and elected officials, your understanding of these complex dynamics is crucial in navigating the challenges ahead and supporting Israel’s right to self-defense.

Since October 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Iranian regime have launched hundreds of rocket and drone attacks at Israel, including an unprecedented direct missile attack in April 2023.

Israeli intelligence suggests that further attacks from the Iranian regime and its proxies are imminent. The regime’s leaders have been consistent in their calls for Israel to be wiped off the map. The Iranian regime’s nuclear program has advanced, with recent reports indicating a tripling of uranium enrichment capacity to 60% purity, dangerously close to weapons-grade levels.

Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, is the Iranian regime’s most powerful proxy in the region, possessing an extensive arsenal of rockets and missiles—estimated to exceed 150,000—capable of striking deep into Israeli territory.

Hezbollah’s military capabilities and strategic position in Lebanon pose a significant threat to Israel’s northern border. Following the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006, Hezbollah violated UNSC Resolution 1701, increasing their weapons capability and failing to withdraw from Southern Lebanon near the Israeli border.

As the largest non-state army in the world, Hezbollah boasts sophisticated weaponry and training. Its fighters have significant military experience from supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war, where they are known for carrying out unspeakable atrocities against civilians.

Iran’s proxy strategy extends beyond Hezbollah, funding, supporting, arming, and training other terrorist groups such as Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen, which have launched recent attacks on Israeli civilians. This network enables Iran to exert influence and pressure on Israel from multiple fronts.

In response to these threats, Israel has mobilized its army and reservists, maintaining an active defense strategy to neutralize threats before they materialize. They utilize missile defense systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling to protect civilians. The Biden-Harris Administration has ordered U.S. Armed Forces to assist in defending Israel by neutralizing missiles aimed at the country.

This support is crucial for Israel’s security and regional stability. As community leaders and elected officials, your role is more critical than ever: stay vigilant and informed about this rapidly evolving situation, support Israel’s right to self-defense against Iran, Hezbollah, and other terror proxies, advocate for strong U.S. support for Israel’s security measures, prepare to address community concerns about the potential for wider regional conflict, enhance security measures for Jewish institutions in the U.S. amidst heightened tensions, support efforts to curb Iranian aggression and nuclear ambitions, and promote awareness of the complex realities Israel faces within your communities.

In these challenging times, standing together in solidarity and support for Israel is essential.