Why Didn't Israel Join the 2003 Invasion of Iraq?

There are several complex reasons why Israel did not join the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Among these were strategic considerations, diplomatic concerns, and regional dynamics. This article explores the multifaceted factors that influenced Israel's decision not to participate.

Possible Slogans and Descriptions

Some humorous and somewhat sarcastic descriptions commonly used to illustrate Israel's position are:

They're too chicken that's why. They can only send their servants in 'Great Satan' USA to fight their wars for them.

Regional Alliances and Cooperation

The reasons go beyond simple fear of retaliation. Another key factor is the intricate web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East. The primary reason Israel did not join the invasion is related to the dynamics of regional cooperation and resistance.

In 2003, Arab countries, particularly those with close ties to Iraq, would have refused to fight alongside Israel. For example, if Syria had joined the invasion, it is highly likely that Iraq would have sought support from its allies, including Iran and other Arab countries. Consequently, the invasion would have faced significant opposition from some of these countries.

The Potential Breakdown of the Coalition

The inclusion of Israel in the coalition would have set off a perilous chain of events. U.S. and British officials believed that an Israeli presence in the coalition might undermine Arab cooperation. As one of the regional powerhouses, Egypt, for instance, might have been less willing to support sanctions or deploy non-combat troops alongside coalition forces if they were seen as working with Israel. The potential for this situation to destabilize the coalition was a major concern.

Moreover, the U.S. asked Israel not to join the coalition, even as Iraq was launching SCUD missiles towards Israel. This shows the delicate balance of power during that period. It would have taken immense patience and restraint on the part of Israel not to retaliate with their own missiles, potentially armed with nuclear warheads, to protect their interests. This was the biggest fear of the U.S.: if Israel had acted unilaterally and aggressively, it could have led to a wider backlash, including potentially a response from Russia.

Status Quo and International Support

Another significant reason Israel did not join the invasion was to maintain the status quo. The U.S. asked Israel not to participate, despite the fact that Iraq was launching SCUD missiles at them. This was intended to keep the coalition intact and to avoid a major rift with Arab states whose cooperation was crucial in the international effort against Iraq. The fear was that if Israel had joined, it would have undermined President Bush's international coalition of Middle Eastern Arab states, potentially leading to the breakdown of the broader coalition.

The inclusion of Israel in the coalition could have led to a significant loss of support from Arab nations, particularly countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This fear was so palpable that even the threat of retaliation from SCUD missiles did not prompt Israel to take action. It was essential for the U.S. to maintain a unified front in the region, and this required a delicate balancing act to ensure that Arab states remained committed to the coalition effort.

In conclusion, the decision by Israel not to join the 2003 invasion of Iraq was a result of a combination of strategic, diplomatic, and regional factors. The potential for breaking down the coalition and losing the cooperation of Arab states was a significant deterrent for Israel to participate. This episode highlights the complex interplay of interests and alliances in the Middle East and the significant role that external powers play in shaping regional dynamics.