A dramatic shift in Israel’s assessment: Israel’s political and defense establishments are preparing

A dramatic shift in Israel’s assessment:

Israel’s political and defense establishments are preparing for the possibility that Iran may renew the war, perhaps in the near future.

A senior political official said:

“The Iranian regime feels it has reached a dead end and that its only way out is to resume the war. We are not there yet, and we have not heard that Iran has made a final decision, but we are definitely seeing signs - and they are serious. Among other things, the recent fire toward Aqaba was intended to send a message to Israel.”

Tehran understands that it has lost the leverage once provided by the Strait of Hormuz. With few options remaining, the regime may be turning to a dangerous strategy - renewing the fighting to create a credible threat against the Gulf states’ oil and water desalination infrastructure. Its objective would be to pressure President Trump into lifting the economic stranglehold that Washington has successfully imposed.

Against this backdrop, Defense Minister Israel Katz held a security assessment today with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior military officials. A photograph from the meeting was deliberately released, ensuring that everyone who needed to see it would see it.

Shortly afterward, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Tehran:

“I am confident in our ability to eliminate the threat once and for all and topple the regime in Iran, which is fighting for its survival. I say to our enemies - do not mess with us. We have the strength, determination, and internal unity to defeat you.”

(Tamir Morag)