Former Israeli Intelligence Chief Calls for Policy Shift Amid US-Iran Deal Challenges

The preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran has left Israel with a sense of unease, prompting calls for a clear policy change to address emerging security challenges. Former head of Israeli Military Intelligence (AMAN), Tamir Hayman, who served during the recent conflict, wrote in a special column for N12 magazine on July 2, 2026, that while some undisclosed elements of the deal might offer diplomatic openings, the visible aspects largely empower the Iranian regime and legitimize it internationally.

Hayman notes that US President Donald Trump prioritized his political stability over Israel’s interests, risking the alliance amid ongoing tensions. He emphasizes that even if the Iranian regime were to collapse, the underlying hostility toward Israel in the Middle East would persist, requiring Israel to independently address these threats.

Regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the agreement appears to freeze the current status quo rather than dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran has secured economic benefits, such as oil export approvals, reducing the likelihood of a future deal acceptable to Israel. Hayman warns that Iran is determined to maintain its nuclear program and that Israel must assume Iran will continue to deceive and attempt to develop nuclear weapons.

On the missile front, despite Iran possessing over 1,500 missiles capable of reaching Israel, Israeli defense capabilities remain strong, though temporary. The agreement does not address Iran’s missile arsenal, which Hayman finds disappointing but unsurprising given Iran’s framing of missiles as defensive deterrents.

Hayman also highlights the threat posed by Hezbollah, which has gained Iranian support and American legitimacy through the deal. He stresses the importance of advancing the recently signed principles agreement between Israel and Lebanon to reduce Hezbollah’s power, ideally leading to its disarmament under international supervision, particularly by the US military.

In conclusion, Hayman urges Israel to remain engaged in the diplomatic arena despite dissatisfaction with the US-Iran deal. He calls for a focused Israeli policy prioritizing the nuclear threat and Iranian proxies, enhancing intelligence and operational capabilities to respond swiftly to violations. He advocates for proactive diplomatic and security measures, including coordinated adjustments along Israel’s northern border, to stabilize the situation and prepare for long-term peace efforts.