Israel Warns of Renewed Iran Strikes if U.S. Deal Fails

Hillel Newman told Iran International that while Israel supports ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, the objectives of those negotiations cannot be compromised.

Newman laid out clear Israeli red lines for any prospective peace deal. Israel demands the complete removal of Iran’s nuclear capability, zero uranium enrichment, and the elimination of all enriched uranium stockpiles currently held by the regime. Beyond the nuclear issue, Israel also insists on the destruction of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and an end to Iranian support for terrorist proxy forces destabilizing the Middle East.

The ambassador emphasized that if these goals can be achieved through diplomatic channels, Israel would welcome that outcome. However, if negotiations prove unsuccessful, Israel may have no choice but to return to military action to secure its strategic objectives.

When pressed on whether Israel would be prepared to strike Iran unilaterally without American participation if a ceasefire deal falls short, Newman responded carefully. He noted that Israel has declared and accepted a ceasefire to provide space for diplomatic resolution in good faith.

Newman expressed confidence in President Trump’s leadership and stressed the close coordination between Jerusalem and Washington on the Iran file.

Lebanon Operations Continue

The ambassador also addressed Israel’s ongoing ground operation against Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon. Tehran has reportedly demanded that any ceasefire with its Lebanese proxy be incorporated into a broader U.S.-Iran agreement.

Newman stated that Israel’s sole objective is ensuring Hezbollah terrorists cannot launch rockets against Israeli territory and are not armed or present in southern Lebanon beyond the Litani River. He insisted Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon.

On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli Defense Forces have moved north of the Litani River, advancing to commanding terrain positions. Netanyahu said Israeli forces are operating in Beirut, the Beqaa Valley, and across the entire front, striking Hezbollah directly.

The Litani River holds strategic importance due to a United Nations Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. That resolution required Hezbollah to withdraw north of the river while the U.N. assisted Lebanon’s army in keeping the south free of Hezbollah weapons. The terms were never enforced, and Hezbollah has continued attacking Israel from southern Lebanon ever since.

Israel launched its current military operation after Hezbollah attacked Israeli territory in March, ostensibly in retaliation for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

IDF Warns of Future Threats

The Israel Defense Forces Home Front Command warned Thursday that while damage from the current conflict has been minimal compared even to Iranian missile attacks during last year’s 12-Day War, Tehran may develop new tactics that pose greater threats in future confrontations.

Israeli military officials expressed concern that a U.S.-Iran deal leaving Iranian ballistic missile capabilities intact would subject Israel to constant threat of attack, making it impossible to demobilize reserve forces or reduce military readiness levels.

The Home Front Command also noted that over 60 percent of Iranian attacks this year targeted countries other than Israel, but warned that in a future conflict, Iran might concentrate its firepower on the Jewish state.

Hope for Iranian Regime Change

Newman concluded his interview by expressing hope that the Iranian people might ultimately resolve the conflict by overthrowing the Tehran regime. He suggested that by weakening the Basij paramilitary forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the regime itself, Israel may be creating a new opportunity for Iranians to seize control of their own destiny.

With information from Breitbart News