Top Israeli General Says U.S. Could Strike Iran in Coming Weeks.
In a private meeting that has since become public, Israel’s highest-ranking military officer said he expects the United States to launch attacks against Iran in a matter of weeks.
The comments from Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), were recorded during a closed briefing with local leaders from communities near the Lebanese border. Several Israeli news organizations obtained and published the audio.
“I think that it’s correct to assess, and I think it’s correct to prepare, that there will be an American attack on Iran within two weeks to two months,” Halevi can be heard saying in the recording.
READ: Iran May Learn the Hard Way If they Refuse to Make a Deal with US – Reports
He suggested that such American military action would follow a breakdown in efforts to use diplomacy to stop Iran’s nuclear program.
The White House and the Pentagon have not directly addressed Halevi’s statement. When asked about it, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson pointed to previous policy statements, saying, “President Trump is committed to ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon, and that while all options remain on the table, our focus is on diplomacy and deterrence.” U.S. defense officials have often said they do not publicly discuss future military operations.
READ: Family Pleads for Answers 90 Days After Woman Disappeared While Visiting Boyfriend in Epe
The general’s assessment comes at a time of increased friction. Iran has steadily enriched uranium to levels close to what is needed for a weapon. Groups backed by Iran have also targeted American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent months. Talks to restore the 2015 international nuclear agreement with Iran have been at a standstill for more than a year.
Experts who follow the region offered different views on why the Israeli military chief would make such a statement public.
Some believe it mirrors a real and shared understanding among Western intelligence agencies that time is running out. Others wonder if it is a deliberate tactic, meant to push Iran toward compromise and to encourage a tougher American position.
“Iran is getting very close to key points in its nuclear work,” said Dr. Emily Hunt, a researcher at the Wilson Center. “Hearing a timeline like this from Israel’s leading general is unusual. It shows some officials may believe talks have run their course.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has not challenged Halevi’s view. Israel has consistently said a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a direct threat to its survival and that it is prepared to act on its own if needed.
News of the leaked remarks made an immediate impact. Global oil prices jumped more than 2% on concerns that a conflict could interrupt the flow of crude from the Persian Gulf. European leaders, concerned about the situation worsening, have called for all sides to return to negotiations.
Discover more from TOKTOK9JA MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
