Ex-IDF Chief Says Israel Must Be Ready to Strike Iran Without US Support

Retired Major General Uzi Dayan, former Deputy Chief of Staff and National Security Council head, discussed Israel's stance on Iran in an interview with Shira Kay. He emphasized that Israel must maintain the freedom to act independently against Iran, even if the United States does not participate. Dayan highlighted a strategic gap between Jerusalem and Washington, noting that while the US prefers a pragmatic agreement with Tehran, Israel sees no choice but to defeat Iran.

Dayan described the US-Israel relationship using a phrase by poet Yehuda Amichai: "Together but each alone," meaning they cooperate mainly defensively but diverge on Iran policy. He criticized former US President Donald Trump for ignoring the global threat posed by a nuclear Iran, stating that Iran's nuclear ambitions endanger world peace, not just the Middle East.

Regarding Iran's internal stability, Dayan observed that despite some public discontent, the regime remains resilient and unlikely to face a coup. He warned that Iran continues to buy time while the US leaves room for a deal, which Israel views negatively. The core threat for Israel remains Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program, which Israel is uniquely prepared to confront on the front lines.

Dayan's remarks underline Israel's determination to act independently if necessary to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state, reflecting ongoing tensions between Israeli and American approaches to Iran's nuclear challenge.