The Truth of the Matter Israel’s Strategic Objectives and the Future of Warfare
Jun 18, 2025
Eliot A. Cohen, former dean of Johns Hopkins SAIS and advisor to Condoleezza Rice, delves into Israel's strategic objectives against Iran amidst the rising nuclear threat. He discusses Israel's sophisticated military tactics, including covert operations and intense air strikes aimed at key Iranian facilities. Cohen also highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and the complex divide between the Iranian government and its citizens. Finally, he explores how recent military operations are reshaping the future of warfare.
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Israel's True Strategic Objective
- Israel's narrow objective is destroying Iran's nuclear program, not deterrence or immediate regime change.
- However, they hope the operation might shock Iran's regime into eventual change without a full invasion.
Israel's Multifaceted Military Approach
- Israel combines extensive covert operations with air strikes to damage Iran's nuclear facilities.
- They need U.S. help for some buried targets, like Fordow, but have largely neutralized Iranian air defenses.
Intelligence and Resolve Driving Israel
- Israel demonstrates extraordinary intelligence penetration in Iran, enabling precise strikes.
- They see their nuclear threat as existential and have prepared extensively for this campaign.