Former Israeli Official Explains Why Iran Has Not Attacked Israel Yet

Retired Major General Amos Gilad, former head of the Defense Ministry's Political-Military Bureau and current head of the Policy and Strategy Institute at Reichman University, outlined the strategic situation in the Middle East in a radio interview on 103fm. Gilad explained that Iran's recent attacks have targeted Arab states and the United States, while Israel has so far remained outside the current wave of Iranian strikes. He attributed this to Israel's exceptional retaliatory capabilities, contrasting it with Arab countries that do not respond actively.

Gilad noted that Iran is currently focusing on American bases in Arab countries, aiming to create discord between these states and the U.S., which is now engaged in conflict with Iran. He emphasized that the immediate tension is centered on control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage, rather than Iran's long-term military projects such as nuclear development or missile programs. Iran seeks to dominate the strait to secure a significant revenue source from crude oil exports and to maintain a deterrent weapon to protect the Islamic Republic.

Despite this tactical focus, Gilad warned against complacency, stressing that the strategic threat to Israel remains severe. He described Iran as a "monster" and the primary existential threat to Israel, highlighting Tehran's commitment to Israel's destruction. According to Gilad, Iran has transformed this goal from a vision into a concrete plan supported by a three-layered strategy involving proxies like Hezbollah, ballistic missile capabilities, and its nuclear program.