The Development of Iranian-Israeli Relations, 1963–1973

Abstract

This study examines the strategic relations between Iran and Israel during the period from 1963 to 1973, which witnessed a distinctive phase of bilateral cooperation amid regional transformations, including the rise of Arab nationalist movements under Gamal Abdel Nasser and the increasing Soviet influence in the Middle East. This period is often regarded as the "Golden Age" of Iran-Israel relations, representing a unique model of strategic cooperation based on shared interests in addressing regional and international challenges.

The research adopts a historical-analytical methodology, utilizing both official and unofficial sources, as well as scholarly and historical references, to understand the development of secret relations between the Savak and Mossad, alongside military, intelligence, and political cooperation between the two countries. The study also focuses on the impact of these relations on regional and international balances of power, the enhancement of mutual security for Iran and Israel, and the management of internal and external threats.

The findings indicate that the covert collaboration between intelligence agencies, along with military and political relations, significantly contributed to strengthening the strategic alliance, intensifying international cooperation, and understanding the dynamics of power in the Middle East during this era. This research provides a reference framework for scholars to comprehend the political, military, and economic factors influencing international relations and to develop analytical capabilities in the field of regional and global strategy.

The first topic discusses Iran-Israel relations from 1963 to the June 1967 war, while the second topic discusses Iran's attitude towards the Arab-Israeli conflict during 1967-1

Several different sources are relied upon in this study, most notably the two sources of Jassim Ibrahim al-Hayani entitled (Israeli Occupation in Iran and Its Impact on Iraqi National Security 1950-1967). (Iran-Israel Relations and Its Impact on the Iranian Occupation of the Third UAE 1967-1979) which the researcher has paid attention to throughout the study, because the author talks about Israeli interference in Iran and studies bilateral relations in detail Shmuel Saijaf's book entitled (The Iranian Triangle, Israeli-Iranian and American Secret Relations) that the researcher has paid great attention to this book, because the author has discussed in detail all the relations between the two sides.