Brandon J. Weichert of The National Interest reports that Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Iran that “Operation Rising Lion” was only a preview of Israel’s new military policy, signaling the end of strategic restraint following the October 7 attacks. Katz announced preparations for further action against Iran, including air superiority, nuclear containment, and targeting Iran-backed terrorism, regardless of the Trump-brokered ceasefire that ended the recent 12-Day War. Israel views the ceasefire as ineffective, especially after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites failed to cause serious damage. Despite heavy costs on both sides, Israel sees Iran’s regime as a growing threat and appears ready to escalate tensions further, potentially drawing the U.S. back into conflict.
“I suggest the toothless snake-head in Tehran understand and beware: Operation Rising Lion was just the trailer for new Israeli policy—after October 7th, immunity is over.” Those were the ominous words spoken by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The Israeli defense chief continued, “I have instructed the IDF to prepare an enforcement plan against Iran that includes maintaining Israel’s air superiority, preventing nuclear advancement and missile production, and responding to Iran’s support for terrorist activities against the State of Israel, despite the ‘Trump ceasefire.’”
In other words, the Israeli government is unsatisfied with the ceasefire that US President Donald Trump orchestrated to end the “12-Day War.” In his remarks, Katz described that conflict as merely the “trailer” to a much longer, bloodier campaign. […]
Israel is again arguing that time is running against it. Iran is rearming. What’s more, Tehran itself is claiming that the American airstrikes were a minor complication in their bid to become a nuclear weapons state—and the Russians and Chinese are pouring resources into Iran to assist the regime there in becoming a military potentate in the Mideast. […]
Under the circumstances, the Israelis can hardly be expected to abide by the ceasefire. Especially if they really think they have the advantage over the Iranians by triggering a massive conflict—one that would seriously endanger Israel, and hence force the Americans to join on its behalf. With that element of moral hazard on their side, Israel will again try to ensnare the Americans into doing their job for them: overthrowing the Iranian regime, a step that Trump has been consistently opposed to. […]
Should Israel trigger a wider war, and if the Americans did reengage as Trump threatened to do last week at a White House press conference, we will be heading toward complete disaster for both countries.
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