Some Israeli security officials believe this weekend’s nuclear talks between the US and Iran could undermine what they see as a rare window for military strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, The Telegraph reported on Thursday.
According to the report, figures within Israel’s security establishment fear the negotiations may “tie its hands” just as Iran is perceived to be increasingly vulnerable. Giora Eiland, former head of Israel’s National Security Council, said, “Many Israeli officials are saying that this is just the right time because we have a window where Iran is much more vulnerable.”
He pointed to recent developments, including the destruction of Iran’s Russian-supplied S-300 missile system and favorable airspace conditions over Syria, which he said might not last. Eiland added that retaliation from Hezbollah was considered unlikely at the moment.
“The talks lessen the possibility of military strikes while they are going on,” he said, suggesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was visibly disappointed by the timing of the negotiations, which were announced while he sat next to Donald Trump in Washington.
The Telegraph reported that Trump did not set preconditions for the talks, such as requiring Iran to suspend its nuclear activities. This has added to concerns in Israel that Tehran might use the negotiations to stall while advancing its program.
Some Israeli experts fear the indirect format of the discussions—preferred by Iran—may allow Tehran to prolong talks without making real concessions, while continuing to rebuild its military and nuclear capabilities.
