Nature and essence of the Zionist entity from viewpoint of Imam Khomeini
According to Imam Khomeini, the Zionist regime should not be merely considered an occupying entity but is also a solid example and embodiment of "corruption on the face of earth"
The Israeli regime, which is a cancerous tumor, has been installed in the heart of the Islamic world and is the largest sponsor of "state terrorism"
Imam underscored the nature of this regime in a crystal-clear manner through resorting to principles of Islamic jurisprudence, rational logic, and strategic analysis, which is deeply rooted in a deep understanding of the hidden links closely associated with global arrogance, neo-colonialism, and Zionism
Imam’s views regarding Israeli occupying and usurping regime can be summarized in to the following points:
1- A dangerous "cancerous tumor": Imam Khomeini repeatedly called Israel a "cancerous tumor" and cause of massive corruption on earth
This description by Imam reveals true face and several basic features and characteristics
Usurping and occupation: This occupying regime was forcibly imposed on the land of Palestine, which belonged to Muslims
Imam emphasized through a series of messages and statement that "Israel is an occupier and has come to the place where it has come, by usurpation"
(Sahifeh ye- Imam, Vol. 6, p. 469)
Ever-growing threat: Imam time and again warned that this "cancerous" regime would not be satisfied with the currently occupied territories and referring to the Zionist plan to form a "Greater Israel from the Nile to the Euphrates," he stated: "Israel is not satisfied with these agreements and considers the Arab government from the Nile to the Euphrates to be usurped and occupied, and sooner or later, with the help of the United States, it will implement its vicious plan." (Sahifeh ye- Imam, Vol. 17, p. 482)
Imam considered the regime’s advance in Lebanon and the occupation of the Golan Heights in Syria to be an example of its expansion agenda
Need for eradication: Imam used to maintain the cure for this "cancerous" regime is only possible by complete eradication. He repeatedly emphasized the need to ward off this great danger and "uproot this evil tree." (Sahifeh ye- Imam, Vol. 20, p. 320)
2- Animosity towards Islam, Muslims and humanity: Imam Khomeini clearly stated a deep-rooted dispute and an inherent conflict between this regime and Islam, Muslims, and even humanity
- War against Islam: Imam on another occasion said: "Israel was hostile towards Islam and wages wars against Muslims" (Sahifeh Imam, Vol. 16, p. 39). For this reason, Imam considered the Quranic command to fight those who fight Muslims to include Israel as well. He considered the occupation of al-Quds (the first Qibla or prayer direction of Muslims) and the threatening excavations at al-Aqsa Mosque compound a great crime against the Islamic sanctities
- Brutality and Crime: Imam repeatedly referred to Israel's crimes being carried out against the people of Palestine, Lebanon (especially in southern Lebanon) and Syria: "What has Israel brought Lebanon to?", "What is Israel doing to Muslims?", "It should not be allowed to violate the oppressed people of Lebanon, the dear sisters and brothers of Beirut" (Sahifeh ye- Imam, Vol. 16, pp. 37 and 514)
The killing and displacement civilians and destruction of their houses were clear examples of these crimes
- Enmity towards the oppressed: Israel's aggressive and colonial nature placed it in opposition to all oppressed and freedom-seeking people. Imam considered defending the people of Palestine and Lebanon to be defending the oppressed
3- Puppet for the US and a tool of colonialism: Imam Khomeini explicitly exposed Israel's absolute dependence on the great powers, especially America, and its role as a tool of colonialism in the region:
- The basis of power: Imam emphasized that Israel's power stems from United States' unconditional support for the Tel Aviv regime: "If the US did not support Israel, could Israel have usurped Palestine?" (Sahifeh ye- Imam, Vol. 16, P. 520).
- The tool of domination: Imam Khomeini described Israel as a" US' base" and "its very corrupt servant." He considered the ultimate goal of this vicious cooperation to be domination over the region, plundering resources and weakening the Islamic world. "They want to increase their domination as much as possible." (Sahifeh ye- Imam, Vol. 15, 169)
Strife and divisiveness: Imam believed that one of the goals of creating and strengthening Israel was to create seeds of discord and division between Muslim countries and nations and divert them from the main enemy, which is global arrogance).
In light of stated above, it can be concluded that from Imam Khomeini's perspective, the Zionist regime is a usurper "cancerous tumor" that, as the "enemy of Islam and Muslims" and "puppet of the US", is not only an illegitimate entity, but also a growing existential threat to the entire Islamic world and its ideals. The only way to confront this threat, from his perspective, is through the all-out unity of Muslim nations and governments. Imam warned against establishing any ties with Israel or rendering any assistance to the regime. He further suggested using tools on the disposal of Muslim nations such as the oil embargo, and resisting until the complete elimination of this usurper regime. Imam considered any type of silence or compromise with Israel to be a betrayal of Islam and Muslims, and he always emphasized the need for vigilance and preparedness for serious confrontation against the Zionist entity.