ISLAMABAD: Senior Israeli officials are grappling with an urgent strategicchoice as tensions with Iran escalate under the shadow of renewed USdiplomatic overtures. According to reports from the Hebrew-language newsoutlet Walla, Jerusalem must soon decide whether to launch a militaryoperation against Iranian targets independently or seek coordination withWashington, even if such alignment risks straining relations with the Trumpadministration. This dilemma stems from deep-seated concerns that PresidentDonald Trump may accept a narrowly focused nuclear agreement with Tehran,one that fails to dismantle or sufficiently constrain Iran’s formidableballistic missile arsenal.
The core apprehension in Israeli defense circles revolves around thepossibility of a limited deal that addresses only Iran’s nuclear enrichmentactivities while leaving its missile program largely untouched. Israeliintelligence assessments indicate that Iran has been activelyrehabilitating and expanding its ballistic capabilities following previousexchanges, including the twelve-day conflict in June 2025 that sawsignificant but not total degradation of these systems. Officials arguethat any agreement omitting robust missile restrictions would perpetuate anexistential threat, as Iran’s arsenal remains capable of launching salvosthat could overwhelm defenses and target Israeli population centers.
Diplomatic signals from Washington have heightened these worries. PresidentTrump has publicly emphasized the need for Iran to negotiate a satisfactoryarrangement to curb its nuclear ambitions and halt domestic repression,while deploying naval assets to the region as leverage. However,behind-the-scenes discussions suggest the US may prioritize nuclearcontainment over comprehensive disarmament demands, including curbs onballistic missiles and support for regional proxies. This approachcontrasts sharply with Israel’s longstanding position that any viablesettlement must eliminate multiple threat vectors simultaneously to ensurelong-term security.
Israeli military sources have expressed skepticism about the efficacy ofpotential US-led strikes without full alignment on objectives. A seniordefense official, cited in related reporting, stressed that Israel cannotcoexist with Iran’s current ballistic inventory, which enables simultaneouslaunches of dozens of projectiles. Analysts within the establishmentcontend that neutralizing launch infrastructure would be essential formeaningful threat reduction, yet fear that American priorities might stopshort of such comprehensive action. This divergence could compel Israel toact preemptively, accepting the operational and diplomatic costs ofunilateralism.
The backdrop includes prior instances where coordination faltered. Reportsindicate that Trump previously intervened to block Israeli proposals forjoint strikes on sensitive Iranian sites toward the end of the 2025 war,opting instead for diplomatic channels. Such precedents fuel concerns inJerusalem that ongoing negotiations, including indirect talks mediatedthrough intermediaries, might culminate in an accord that provides Iranbreathing room to rebuild without addressing missiles. Israeli officialshave conveyed these anxieties directly to US counterparts, warning that apartial deal could embolden Tehran and undermine regional deterrence.
Strategic preparations on the Israeli side reflect the gravity of thesituation. The Israel Defense Forces have accelerated enhancements to airdefense systems in anticipation of renewed Iranian missile barrages,whether from direct retaliation or proxy forces. Intelligence sharing withthe US continues, but uncertainty persists regarding the scope and timingof any American military involvement. Observers note that while Trump hasthreatened decisive action if diplomacy fails, the administration’s signalssuggest a preference for negotiation backed by credible force rather thanimmediate escalation.
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Broader regional dynamics add complexity to Israel’s calculus. Iran’sleadership has warned that US aggression would ignite a wider conflict,while domestic pressures in Tehran, including protests, complicate itsnegotiating stance. For Israel, the window for effective preemptivemeasures may narrow if a US-Iran understanding emerges that implicitlylegitimizes aspects of Iran’s missile program. Defense experts argue thatunilateral Israeli action, though risky due to potential Iranian reprisalsand strained US ties, might become inevitable if coordination provesunattainable.
The decision carries profound implications for Middle East stability. Acoordinated strike could maximize impact while sharing burdens, butmisalignment with Trump risks political fallout at a time when bilateralrelations remain pivotal. Conversely, acting alone would test Israel’sindependent capabilities against a fortified adversary, potentiallyinviting escalation involving proxies across multiple fronts. As diplomaticefforts intensify, Israeli policymakers face mounting pressure to balancedeterrence, alliance management, and existential security imperatives inthis high-stakes environment.
Source:https://en.royanews.tv/news/67282
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