Israel Says No Immediate Plans to Join US-Iran Conflict

Israel is maintaining a high state of military readiness but has no immediate plans to join the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, according to senior officials. The assessment, detailed in a lengthy overnight security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 20, is that the current situation, where the U.S. conducts strikes against Iran and Tehran retaliates against American assets, serves Israeli strategic interests by applying pressure on the Iranian regime.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich publicly articulated this position on July 21, stating that Israel has no interest in joining what he described as a contained confrontation. Speaking at a conference, Smotrich argued that the ongoing U.S. campaign, including a naval blockade and economic pressure, is the most advantageous scenario for Israel. He emphasized that the long-term goal remains undermining and ultimately overthrowing the Iranian regime, which he said is best achieved by crippling Iran's economy. Smotrich cited Iran's high inflation and currency devaluation as signs of this pressure working.

Officials outlined three specific scenarios that could draw Israel into direct...