THE DIGITAL FRONT: AI-SUPPORTED CYBER WARFARE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND IRAN

The rapid acceleration of technological advancements not only facilitates various aspects of daily life but also introduces new security threats. A review of wars that have occurred throughout world history shows that they were predominantly conducted through conventional means. However, in recent years, a new dimension has emerged, with states increasingly engaging in conflicts within the cyber domain. Israel and Iran are two major rival powers in the Middle East. In recent years, direct conventional military confrontations have occurred between the two states, and in parallel with these developments, the cyber domain has increasingly evolved into a complementary and strategic front of warfare. The aim of this study is to examine the mechanisms and methods through which cyber warfare between Israel and Iran has been conducted. The research analyzes the sectors targeted by both states in their cyber operations and the specific stages at which artificial intelligence technologies are employed. The cases investigated in this study are based on recent news reports, policy documents, and analytical reports published by think tanks specializing in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. According to the findings, cyberattacks in the Israel-Iran rivalry function both as an operational tool aimed at disabling critical infrastructure and as a strategic instrument employed in psychological warfare and information operations to shape public perception. These results highlight the growing centrality of cyber capabilities and AI technologies in contemporary interstate conflicts.