Former Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff Urges Stronger Response to Iran Amid US-Iran Tensions

Retired Major General Uzi Dayan, former Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff and National Security Council head, analyzed the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran in a recent interview. He criticized the US administration's strategy as flawed, arguing that while the US pursues economic and personal interests, Israel faces an existential threat from Iran that endangers its security, borders, and national survival.

Dayan emphasized Israel's obligation to maintain high alertness and readiness to respond with greater force than the US if necessary. He warned that Israel could be attacked at any moment by Iran or its proxies, potentially leading to a rapid escalation. He stressed the need for Israel to deliver a significantly stronger retaliatory strike than previous responses or those of the US.

Regarding strategic objectives, Dayan highlighted the critical importance of severely damaging Iran's ballistic and nuclear capabilities. He expressed skepticism about the US's ability to secure a stringent agreement to prevent Iran from continuing uranium enrichment and stressed the necessity of international inspections and uranium removal at all enrichment levels.

Dayan also called for dismantling the "Shia axis," including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, while remaining vigilant against the emergence of a Sunni axis involving Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia that could threaten regional stability. On the issue of southern Lebanon, he rejected any Israeli withdrawal until Lebanon asserts sovereignty and dismantles Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure, underscoring Israel's need to maintain a defensive depth inside Lebanon to protect its communities.

In summary, Dayan urged Israel to prepare for a prolonged struggle requiring political unity and internal stability to confront the multifaceted threats posed by Iran and its regional proxies.