Analyst Warns of Escalation with Iran, Cites Trump's Stance

An Israeli analyst, Yaki Dayan, has warned that the likelihood of a new military confrontation with Iran is high, suggesting that former US President Donald Trump's rhetoric indicates a readiness for such action. Dayan stated on 103FM that Trump's comments about a potential military campaign against Iran, made after the US midterm elections, are "on the table." He believes Trump, who aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, is observing increased American forces in the region and sees a convergence with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom he feels a comfortable rapport.

Dayan suggested that Trump might have deliberately avoided escalation before the midterm elections but is now signaling a different approach. He noted that Trump desires a partnership with Netanyahu, especially if Netanyahu serves the final two years of Trump's potential next term. The analyst also commented on the US administration's preference for a unity government in Israel, specifically one without ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, whom he believes have caused significant damage, particularly concerning actions in the West Bank. Dayan indicated that even allies of Jewish settlement in the West Bank, like former Governor Mike Huckabee, have criticized such actions and statements, suggesting that their exclusion from a future Israeli government would be welcomed by elements within the US administration.