Israeli defense officials recently told their US counterparts that Iran’s ballistic missile program represents an existential threat, and that Jerusalem is prepared to act unilaterally if necessary.
According to security sources, Israeli intentions to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and production infrastructure were conveyed in recent weeks through a series of high-level exchanges. Military officials outlined operational concepts to degrade the program, including strikes on key manufacturing sites.
“We told the Americans we will strike alone if Irancrosses the red line we set on ballistic missiles,” the source said, adding that Israel is not yet at that threshold but is continuously tracking developments inside Iran.
The officials stressed that Israel reserves freedom of action and emphasized that it will not allow Iran to restore strategic weapon systems on a scale that threatens Israel’s existence.
One defense official described the current moment as a “historic opportunity” to deliver a significant blow to Iran’s missile infrastructure and neutralize active threats to Israel and neighboring states.
During recent talks, Israel also presented plans to target additional facilities connected to the missile program, according to the official.
Concerns were raised by several officials that US President Donald Trump may adopt a limited strike model - similar to recent US operations against the Houthis in Yemen - which, they fear, could leave Iran’s critical capabilities intact.
“The worry is he might choose a few targets, declare success, and leave Israel to deal with the fallout, just like with the Houthis,” another military official said, adding that partial measures won’t eliminate the core threat.
Within the IDF, Brig.-Gen. Omer Tishler, the incoming air force commander, is expected to accompany Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his upcoming trip to the United States.
Tishler will represent IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, as there is currently no defense attaché in Washington following Defense Minister Israel Katz's decision not to approve the military’s nominee for the post.
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