As Iran's protests continue, Israelis and Palestinians watch closely

"As the White House weighs a potential military intervention in Iran amid massive protests across the country, political leaders in the region are closely monitoring the course of demonstrations. In Israel whose existence Iran has long vehemently, ideologically opposed there is broad support for the protesters among defense and political officials. "From Israel's perspective, regime destabilization, regime change, has been the goal for a long time," says Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst for Israel at the International Crisis Group."

"In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, though, Palestinians say they hope the regime stays in place and protests die down soon. "Who else has been able to fight Israel?" says Abu Akram, a driver who ferries goods from Jordan to the West Bank. "It has been Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah," he said, referring to the Iranian-funded militant group. Opposition to Israel's existence and support for a Palestinian state are core tenets of Hezbollah."

"Last month, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Trump at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where Trump warned of potentially more U.S. airstrikes on Iran. This week, Trump told reporters, "We are looking at it very seriously; the military is looking at it, and we're looking at some very strong options." On Tuesday, he posted a message on Truth Social addressed to Iranian protesters, saying, "HELP IS ON ITS WAY.""

Massive protests in Iran have entered their third week amid a near-total communications blackout. Human rights groups estimate at least 646 people killed in escalating demonstrations, though casualty verification remains difficult. The White House is considering possible military intervention in Iran and President Trump has warned of strong options and signaled support to protesters. Israeli defense and political officials largely view the protests as a path to regime destabilization. In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, many Palestinians prefer the Iranian regime to remain because Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have been among the few actors able to confront Israel. Iran and Israel previously exchanged missiles during a 12-day conflict.

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