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As third Israel-Iran war looms closer, IDF needs to make it count - analysis

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Iran has initiated a third round of missile exchanges with Israel, following two previous confrontations within the past year.
  • Israel cannot ignore Iranian missile fire, as doing so would embolden Iran and suggest Israel can be deterred.
  • The scale of Iranian missile attacks has challenged the design of missile defense systems, highlighting the need for extensive joint training between the US and Israel.

Israel faces a critical juncture as Iran initiates a third round of missile exchanges, a situation that demands a decisive response.

The third time has to be the charm.

— Anna AhronheimAuthor's commentary on the necessity of a decisive response in the current conflict.

Following two prior confrontations – Operation Rising Lion nearly a year ago and Operation Roaring Lion in April – the current missile fire from Iran tests Israel's resolve. Unlike previous rocket fire from Hamas, Iran's direct missile attacks cannot be ignored. Allowing such an assault to go unanswered would not only "change the equation" but also grant Iran the significant prize of deterring Israel.

Israel can't turn blind eye on Iran

— Anna AhronheimAuthor's assertion on the strategic imperative for Israel to respond to Iranian missile fire.

The article draws parallels to past conflicts, noting that during Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, Israel and the United States took the offensive, successfully targeting Iran's supreme leader. The effectiveness of missile defense systems, even against large-scale attacks, is underscored by comments from US Air Force Lt.-Gen. Heath Collins. He noted in March 2025 that Iran's April 2024 missile barrage exceeded the initial design capacity of these systems, emphasizing the critical role of decades-long US-Israeli partnership and joint training exercises like the "Israeli Test Bed."

change the equation

— Anna AhronheimAuthor's explanation of the consequences of Israel ignoring Iranian missile attacks.

These joint efforts are crucial for planning and executing responses in complex environments. The article implies that this third confrontation, unlike the previous ones where Israel and the US initiated strikes, requires Israel to make its response count, ensuring it is not perceived as deterred.

was beyond what these systems were initially designed for.

— US Air Force Lt.-Gen. Heath CollinsDirector of the Missile Defense Agency, commenting on the scale of Iranian missile attacks.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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