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Several Israeli rabbis and journalists have pointed to a systematic strategy aimed at igniting sectarian conflicts across the Arab and Islamic world, considering such divisions as a "lifeline" for Israel’s survival.

In a Hebrew segment featured on the programme "Above Authority", Israeli journalist Edi Cohen openly revealed Israel's stance on sectarian strife, stating, "Since then, we thank God that the Shias and Sunnis are slaughtering each other." He further warned of the consequences if unity prevailed, saying, "Imagine if they were united—an alliance between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Imagine what that would mean for us. Israel wouldn’t exist in this world, and this conflict must not end."

Similarly, hardline Rabbi Zamir Cohen has emerged as a prominent promoter of sectarian division, referencing biblical texts such as "make Egyptians fight Egyptians." Cohen not only attacked Islam and its Prophet but also called for the extermination of all Muslims, exploiting the tenure of former U.S. President Donald Trump to push his narrative.

Zamir even predicted that the Arab world would face a sectarian war starting with demands over Jerusalem, eventually devolving into internal Arab conflict. He also suggested that a Christian leader would rise to unify Christians against Islam, insinuating that Trump could play this saviour-like role due to his "sharp, confrontational style and fearless nature."

Exploiting Media Platforms
To implement this strategy, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee has taken to social media platforms, posing as a "concerned advisor" to Sunni Muslims, warning them about the dangers of Shia expansion.

In messages aimed at Hamas leaders, Adraee accused them of aligning with Iran's clerics and Hezbollah, questioning, "Are you imitating Iran's mullahs and their likes in Hezbollah? Haven't you read the scholars’ and jurists’ warnings about the danger of the Iranian Shia ideology?"

Mixed Reactions in the Arab World
This narrative has resonated with some Arabs. Recently, a Syrian residing in Norway addressed Adraee on social media, saying, "You have killed those who killed Syrians. You are loved and appreciated by millions of Syrians." He continued, "We didn’t know you before; we were taught you’re enemies. Today, we know you speak our language, and some of you even enjoy Arabic music."

On the other hand, Yemeni journalist Asaad Al-Sharabi expressed his disgust at what he termed the "Arab Zionists" who have moved to openly supporting Israel's war on Gaza under the pretext of criticising the Palestinian resistance's cooperation with Iran.

A Broader Question
The programme raises a fundamental question: Do Western powers and Israel prefer Arab nations to triumph over Iran, or vice versa? Or are they preparing to weaken both sides? History is filled with examples of Western hostility toward Muslims, from the Battle of Tours during the Umayyad Caliphate to the Ottoman siege of Vienna, events that remain etched in Western memory.

The answer lies in Edi Cohen's assertion that the Sunni-Shia divide is Israel's lifeline against its demise as a Jewish dream. This underscores Israel’s strategy of perpetuating sectarian conflict in the region to prevent any form of Arab or Islamic unity that could threaten its existence.

Source: Al Jazeera