Ex-NSC Head Eyal Hulata Warns Military Strike on Iran May Fall Short
Former National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata warned that a military strike on Iran might fail to cripple its nuclear program. He also noted growing political friction in Washington following the US midterms.
Former National Security Advisor Dr. Eyal Hulata warned in a radio interview that a military strike on Iran might fail to significantly damage its nuclear program and could even accelerate Tehran's drive toward atomic weapons.
Speaking to 103fm, Hulata emphasized that Israel must carefully weigh whether a military operation would genuinely improve its strategic standing. He noted that if Iran concludes that Israel and the United States cannot penetrate the heavily fortified underground facility known as Mount Mouchosh, Tehran might concentrate its nuclear activities there, creating a highly dangerous scenario.
"The question is not whether a strike or an agreement is preferable," Hulata said. "The question is whether a strike leads us to a better reality and whether there is a chance for an agreement that brings about a better outcome."
US Position and Midterm Elections
Addressing the likelihood of a US-led military action, Hulata assessed that US President Donald Trump is not close to ordering a strike, especially in the wake of the midterm elections. He pointed out a divergence in perspectives between Washington and Jerusalem, noting that Israel sometimes considers military action out of a perceived lack of alternatives, whereas the United States operates differently.
"There is no doubt that the White House has figures who support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with President Trump being the foremost," Hulata stated. However, he warned that other officials in Trump's inner circle believe Netanyahu's policies harm the administration politically, pointing to Vice President JD Vance as a prominent voice blaming Israel for Republican midterm setbacks.
Intelligence and Regional Risks
Hulata also cautioned that military pressure on Tehran might convince hardliners that acquiring nuclear weapons is the only way to safeguard the regime against external attempts to instigate regime change. He stressed that intelligence failures have occurred in the past and warned that waiting until a breach becomes obvious could prove fatal.
"When it makes noise, it might be too late," Hulata concluded. "We need to be extremely careful and ensure they do not slip away from our intelligence grasp."
