Israeli defense officials urge a direct attack on Iran?

Channel 12 reported on December 22 that most senior officials in the Israeli defense agency believe that the country should launch an attack inside Iranian territory.

The Times of Israel reported that among the senior officials mentioned above was Mr. David Barnea, Director of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. During a recent Israeli cabinet meeting, Mr. Barnea was said to have told officials: "We need to take down Iran. If we just attack the Houthi group in Yemen, we are not sure we can stop their actions."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd from right) and senior defense officials hold a press conference in the Golan Heights on December 17, 2024.

According to Channel 12, citing informed sources, Iranian leaders also believe that Israel could attack the country soon and are holding urgent consultations to decide on "steps" in case of conflict. The reason for Iran's concern about a potential Israeli attack stems from Tel Aviv's destruction of Tehran's air defense system and acceptance of a ceasefire in Lebanon, as well as the victory of US President-elect Donald Trump.

However, Channel 12 also reported that some other Israeli officials favor avoiding a prolonged confrontation with Iran at this time because it would not serve Tel Aviv's interests.

Did Israel destroy Iran's top secret nuclear weapons research facility?

In another development, speaking to CNN on December 22, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Israeli airstrikes on Iranian facilities, including missile and air defense factories, had degraded Tehran's conventional military capabilities.

Given the situation, Mr. Sullivan said it would not be surprising to see voices (in Iran) saying "maybe we need to use nuclear weapons now. Maybe we need to reconsider our nuclear doctrine." The US official added that he had discussed the threat of Iranian nuclear escalation with the Trump team.

The information was released in the context of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning on December 22 that they would take action against the Houthi forces and similar groups backed by Iran. The Times of Israel quoted Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizing that Israel is not alone in the campaign against the Houthis.

"The United States and other countries like us view the Houthis as a threat not only to shipping but to the world order. Just as we have acted strongly against Iranian-backed groups, we will act against the Houthis with strength, determination and sophistication," Prime Minister Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader said that while the path against the Houthi group may take time, the result will be as successful as Israel's campaigns against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/gioi-chuc-quoc-phong-israel-thuc-giuc-mot-cuoc-tan-cong-truc-tiep-vao-iran-185241223114624807.htm