Without exit strategy, Israel faces emboldened Hezbollah, limited options on Iran
While President Donald Trump remains undecided on striking Iran again, the Israeli military is sinking deeper into its Lebanon quagmire with a reinforced Hezbollah.
TEL AVIV — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said at a Thursday military ceremony that while Israel backs US President Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the impasse with Iran by diplomatic means, it could resume the use of force.
“We support this effort and provide the necessary backing, but we may soon be required to act again to ensure the objectives are achieved,” he said.
Speaking with Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, an Israeli security official elaborated on the preparations underway by Israel's air force and other military branches in case Trump decides to resume US bombings in Iran. “Even if … we’re talking about a shorter, more powerful and more focused attack, we will participate and take advantage of it to complete many things that we have not yet accomplished,” he said. “We still have work to do in Iran, especially to show what is left of the Iranian regime that they are not immune forever and that their situation can keep deteriorating.”
Iran buys time
