Iran, Hezbollah weakened since Oct. 7, says former Israeli minister

Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas have all suffered significant weakening since the October 7 attacks, according to former Israeli strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer. Speaking at United Hatzalah's Annual New York Gala, Dermer assessed the current strategic landscape, addressing concerns about a potential Iran arrangement, the Hezbollah threat, US-Israel ties, and Gaza hostage negotiations.

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Two and a half years ago, Iran posed an existential threat to Israel. Three years later, Iran’s nuclear capability has been destroyed.

Dermer asserted that Iran's nuclear capability has been "destroyed" over the past two and a half years, with its ballistic capabilities set back by years. He suggested that Iran's remaining leverage lies in its enriched material, located in deeply buried sites. This situation, he argued, grants Israel crucial time to strengthen its defenses. Dermer characterized current discussions not as a nuclear deal, but as an effort to ease international economic pressure on Iran, expressing doubt that Iran would abandon its nuclear program within the coming weeks.

Regarding Hezbollah, Dermer stated the organization is "maybe 25% of what it was before" October 7, although he cautioned that it still retains military capabilities. He emphasized that while defeating Hezbollah outright would require a force twice the size of the IDF, Israel would not permit a terrorist organization to threaten its borders. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's resolve to prevent Hezbollah's resurgence, supported by the Trump administration, was also highlighted.

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Hezbollah is maybe 25% of what it was before.

Dermer also defended Israel's position as a superior ally to the US compared to nations like France and Britain, dismissing criticism as "absurd." He highlighted Israel's strength as a cyber power and argued that alliances are based on mutual interests, asserting Israel's importance to American national security. On the Gaza hostage negotiations, Dermer noted the delicate balance between bringing hostages home and ensuring the security of Israelis, suggesting Hamas aims to prolong the talks.

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Israel is a better ally than France and Britain.