Israeli Military Chief Praises Trump’s Iran Strikes, Warns of Nuclear Threat

Former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes against Iran alongside Israel, calling the operation “courageous.” Eisenkot, a leading challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel’s upcoming parliamentary elections, supported Trump’s approach of achieving peace through military strength. He stated, “Trump’s decision to strike Iran together with Israel, exceeded anything one could have imagined. That military campaign and the operation were courageous.”

Eisenkot warned that Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a major concern despite the military campaign. “The question of what comes next is absolutely critical, as the Iranians seek to break through to nuclear weapons capability and want to become another North Korea,” he said. The former chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces emphasized the urgency of addressing Iran’s nuclear program, framing it as a direct threat to regional stability.

Eisenkot also expressed support for Washington’s economic pressure on Tehran, suggesting that opportunities for reaching an agreement may have diminished. “I fear we may have moved beyond that point. In fact, the economic pressure Trump is applying is helping, giving the Iranians a sense of defeat,” he said. His comments reflect a growing belief among Israeli officials that military and economic measures are essential to counter Iran’s influence.

In addition to military and economic strategies, Eisenkot proposed establishing a U.S.-backed regional security alliance involving Israel and Arab countries, which he described as a “kind of Middle Eastern NATO.” He said the proposed alliance would operate “under an American umbrella, with Israel maintaining a low profile. From there, we can continue advancing normalization and peace agreements.” This vision aligns with broader Israeli efforts to strengthen ties with Arab nations while countering Iranian expansionism.

Eisenkot, who leads the Yashar party, has emerged as a leading political rival to Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 elections. Both politicians have advocated preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, although Eisenkot has positioned himself as an alternative to Netanyahu’s leadership. Their differing approaches highlight the internal political dynamics within Israel regarding foreign policy and national security.

The Israeli government has long viewed Iran’s nuclear program as a existential threat, leading to a series of military and diplomatic actions aimed at curbing Tehran’s capabilities. Eisenkot’s remarks underscore the ongoing debate within Israel about the most effective strategies to address this challenge, with military intervention and regional alliances being key components of the discussion.

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