Israel's Operation Against Iran: A Response to Existential Threats
The Imminent Threats
Israel launched an operation due to two imminent existential threats from Iran. First, Iran was rushing to weaponize its enriched uranium to make atomic bombs with the declared intent to destroy Israel. Second, Iran aimed to significantly increase its ballistic missile arsenal. In three years, it could have 3,600 new weapons a year, reaching 10,000 ballistic missiles within six years, each weighing a ton and traveling at Mach 6 towards Israeli cities. No country, especially one the size of Israel, could withstand such a threat.
Nuclear Intelligence
Less than two months ago, the new director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, testified that Iran's nuclear program had been suspended since 2003 and not restarted. However, Israeli intelligence, which was shared with the US, was clear that Iran was secretly working to weaponize uranium. They were on the verge of achieving a test device and potentially an initial device within months, certainly less than a year. Israel could not accept this, as it would lead to a nuclear holocaust, something the Jewish people have already endured in the previous century.
Goals of the Strikes
The goal of the strikes is to eliminate the nuclear and ballistic missile threats from Iran. While regime change could be a result, as the Iranian regime is weak and unpopular among its people, the primary focus is on protecting Israel and the world from the dangerous regime. The strikes have targeted Iranian leadership, military, nuclear scientists, and other leaders. Israel is attacking nuclear sites and has already destroyed the main enrichment facility in Hatton.
Coordination with the US
Israel has been in constant contact with President Trump and has informed the US and President Trump ahead of the strikes. The two countries are fully coordinated, but President Trump will make decisions that are best for America, while the Israeli prime minister will make decisions that are important for the survival of Israel. This is a relationship of mutual respect and mutual confidence.
Capacity to Strike Deep Underground
Israel has the capacity to strike Iran's nuclear sites deep underground. It has already destroyed the main enrichment facility in Hatton and has other plans in place. Israel is known as the innovation nation and has many startups and capabilities up its sleeve.
Setback to Iran's Nuclear Program
Israel believes it has set back Iran's nuclear program significantly. The element of surprise was a key factor in the success of the strikes. Iran was completely surprised, and Israel achieved a great surprise when it started the operation. Israel gave Iran a chance to negotiate, but it was clear that Iran was not serious about it.
Air Defenses and Control of the Skies
Israel has taken out a significant proportion of Iranian air defenses. In October, the air defenses were decimated, and now Israel has control of the skies. Israeli pilots are able to pick off targets in Tehran and other places without being shot down. However, some missiles and drones are still able to reach Israel and attack civilian areas.
Endgame and Negotiations
The endgame is to remove Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capacities. Israel is willing to negotiate if Iran is willing to eliminate its enrichment capacity, as proposed by President Trump. However, if Iran does not do so, Israel will continue to take action. The Iranian foreign minister has said that if Israel stops its attacks, Iran will stop its responses. However, Israel believes that Iran is lying and that it will continue to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Expansion of Air Strikes
Israel has expanded its air strikes to include oil and energy infrastructure in Iran. This is a response to Iran's actions and is a demonstration of Israel's readiness to take whatever action is needed.
Gulf States' Response
The Gulf States have expressed some condemnation of Israel's attacks on Iran, but there has not been much harsh criticism since the initial statements. Israel believes that the Gulf States understand that Iran is a mortal threat to them as well and that they may have a different future if Iran is taken out.
Situation in Gaza
The situation in Gaza is complex. Israel puts the onus on Hamas for everything that is happening there. The ratio of civilian combatants to non-combatants is about 1:1, which is unheard of in such a dense urban environment. Israel is doing everything in its power to separate combatants from non-combatants. The war has been going on for so long because of the hostages. Israel has already brought back 202 hostages, most of them alive. Israel is committed to getting all of them out and to separating Hamas from controlling the humanitarian aid that is being given to the people of Gaza.
Criticisms of Israel's Actions in Gaza
Israel is accused of trying to make Gaza unlivable in order to push Palestinians out of the territory permanently. However, Israel denies these accusations and says that it is doing everything in its power to separate combatants from non-combatants and to protect the civilian population. Israel is also committed to rebuilding Gaza after the war.
Messages to the Supreme Leader and the Iranian People
The Israeli prime minister has a message for the Iranian Supreme Leader: with action, not with words. To the Iranian people, he says that they are great people who have been usurped by a tyranny that has robbed them of hope and a good life. He encourages them to rise up and be free.
Conclusion
The situation in the Middle East is complex and dangerous. Israel's operation against Iran is a response to existential threats, and the country is committed to protecting itself and the world from the dangerous regime. The coordination between Israel and the US is crucial, and the two countries will continue to work together to achieve their goals. The situation in Gaza is also a major concern, and Israel is doing everything in its power to resolve the conflict and to protect the civilian population.
{#