Former national security adviser Yaakov Amidror warned on Thursday that war with Iran is becoming more likely and Israel must be prepared to act without US assistance. Amidror, who served as the Nation Security Council chief under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from 2011 to 2013, expressed his concerns during an interview with Radio 103 FM.
Increasing Regional Tensions
Amidror was commenting on a flare-up during the Passover holiday, which saw rockets fired at Israel from Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria by groups largely viewed as Iranian proxies. He also questioned the US commitment to Israel’s security, stating, “America is not the same America in terms of its presence, and the Iranians see that.”
Recent Shows of Force
Despite Amidror’s statements, the US has repeatedly declared its commitment to Israel’s security. Last week, the US broke protocol by announcing the dispatch of a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine to the Middle East to “help ensure regional maritime security and stability” amid growing tensions with Iran.
Ongoing Turmoil in the Region
Tensions continue to simmer after an explosion of terrorism this month emanating from Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and throughout Judea and Samaria and other parts of Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck Hamas assets in Southern Lebanon after the Palestinian terrorist group fired 34 rockets toward northern Israel. On Sunday, the military struck targets in Syria in response to six rockets fired toward the Golan Heights.
Violence on the Temple Mount
Violence has also erupted on the Temple Mount during Ramadan. Israeli police arrested more than 350 rioters who had barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In response, Israel called up IDF and Border Police reserve troops to help secure the country and in anticipation of a possible escalation in violence. The Cabinet also barred Jews from ascending the Temple Mount for the final 10 days of Ramadan, ending on April 21
