Oxford Union Declares Israel a Greater Threat Than Iran

The Oxford Union voted decisively in favor of the motion that “Israel is a greater threat to regional stability than Iran” during a debate held on March 7, 2024. A total of 265 members supported the proposition, while 113 voted against it. This outcome reflects growing tensions and differing perspectives on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

The debate featured two panels of speakers who presented arguments for and against the motion. Prominent advocates for the proposition included Alex Webster from Lincoln College, Jessica Rowe, former Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, and former Iranian Culture Minister Ata’ollah Mohajerani. In contrast, the opposition included Hillel Neuer, an international human rights lawyer and executive director of UN Watch, as well as Dominick Chilcott, a Middle East specialist and former British ambassador to Turkey and Iran.

Webster, opening the debate for the proposition, argued that Israel’s influence with global powers makes it a more significant threat to stability in the region. He stated, “They get all of the guns but none of the consequences.” This assertion sparked a counterargument from Katie Pannick, a history student at St. John’s, who emphasized that Iran has the capability for “systemic disruption” and highlighted the risks associated with its nuclear missile program.

During his remarks, Shtayyeh characterized Israel as an “expansionist, colonialist state.” He pointed out that while discussions often focus on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel already possesses nuclear arms. He questioned, “Who is acting and who is reacting?” Shtayyeh further criticized Israel for disregarding international laws and UN resolutions, labeling it as a “nuclear-armed state” operating under an apartheid regime against the Palestinian people.

In response, Neuer addressed Iran’s destabilizing actions in neighboring countries, including Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. He argued that these nations could flourish if not for Iran’s influence. Neuer also cited the collaborative efforts of Sunni Arab states in countering Iranian missile threats during conflicts with Israel, asserting that this demonstrates Iran’s status as an existential threat.

Chilcott echoed these sentiments, outlining the dangers posed by Iran’s network of proxy groups, such as Hezbollah, which he described as a significant factor in the region’s instability. After the debate, Neuer highlighted Mohajerani’s controversial past, noting his role as a top regime official in Iran during a period marked by numerous political assassinations in Europe. In 2023, the UK’s Metropolitan Police had been urged to investigate Mohajerani for advocating a fatwa against author Sir Salman Rushdie.

The Oxford Union has developed a reputation for its critical stance on Israel in recent years. Notably, in December 2024, a similar motion declaring that “Israel is an Apartheid State Responsible for Genocide” passed with a significant majority of 278 to 59. This ongoing discourse reflects the complex and often contentious nature of discussions surrounding Israel and Iran within academic and political spheres.

As debates on this topic continue to unfold, the implications for international relations in the Middle East remain significant. The Oxford Union’s recent vote highlights the diverse perspectives on these crucial issues and the broader ramifications for regional stability.