From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
IDF chief: Israel could be forced to react to ‘negative developments’ in Iran
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi warns that there may be “negative developments” with regard to Iran’s nuclear program that would prompt Israel to react.
“Iran has made more progress in uranium enrichment than ever before. We are also closely examining other aspects of the way to nuclear capability,” he says at a conference hosted by the Institute for Policy and Strategy of Reichman University in Herzliya.
“Without going into details, there are possible negative developments on the horizon that could prompt action,” Halevi says.
“We have abilities and others have abilities. We have the ability to hit Iran. We are not indifferent to what Iran is trying to build around us, and it is difficult for Iran to be indifferent to the line we are taking,” he adds.
Halevi also says “Hezbollah is very deterred from an all-out war against Israel. It thinks it understands how we think. This thought brings it to dare and challenge us where it is sure it will not lead to war. I see this as a good way to create surprises if necessary.”
“We have good preparedness in the northern arena. A campaign in the northern arena will be difficult on the home front. We will know how to deal with it, but it will be difficult. It will be seven times harder for Lebanon, and even more so for Hezbollah,” he adds.
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