Former Navy Chief Warns Israel to Prepare for a Long Fight With Iran

Retired Navy commander Eliezer Marom sharply criticized the emerging ceasefire deal involving Lebanon and Iran, warning that it could strengthen Tehran’s regional position for years to come. In an interview on Radio 103FM with Nissim Mashal and Anat Davidov, he said Israel must assume that it is already in a long war with Iran and prepare for recurring operations or wars lasting days or weeks every few months. "If the agreement is signed, we need to understand that and prepare for it," he said.

Marom also attacked the American role in the talks, saying President Donald Trump’s overnight signing effectively recognizes what he described as Iran’s takeover of Lebanon. He called the arrangement a bad deal for regional leaders as well, naming Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

At the same time, he criticized Israel’s decision-making process and the composition of its diplomatic team. "The inner circle around the prime minister does not exist," he said, adding that one person is making decisions and that Ron Dermer, whom he praised as someone who understands America, should be brought back into service. He also argued that Israel should not have gone to Washington with only two brigadier generals.

According to Marom, the best diplomatic route would have been to move quickly on a Lebanon agreement while blocking Iranian influence and eventually returning South Lebanon to Lebanese control once the Lebanese army is strong enough. He said that President Aoun supports this path. Asked what would happen if Iran responded with missiles to Israeli actions in Lebanon, Marom replied, "Let there be missiles, please," saying the deal is bad for Israel in any case and that renewed fighting would be the preferable alternative.