The undeclared proxy war between Iran and Israel is out in the open. As Israel has expanded its military aims from full-scale offensive military operations to degrade Hamas in Gaza, through defensive and then offensive air and ground operations in Lebanon, we have now arrived at what was previously considered the worst-case scenario – acknowledged direct attacks between Israel and Iran on each other’s territory.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Sunday.Credit: AP

This was previously the red line that neither side would cross because of fears it would lead to a broader regional conflict. But the regional security landscape is much different to that of a year ago. Iran’s system of a layered defence has relied on friends, allies and proxies on Israel’s border or within striking........

© The Sydney Morning Herald