More details emerging from Sunday night's Security Cabinet meeting
By Bernie,
More details emerging from Sunday night's Security Cabinet meeting: ministers were briefed that the war in Iran is expected to continue for at least several weeks, with developments on the ground to determine its ultimate duration.
Israeli officials say the operation is proceeding exactly as planned, with "very tight" coordination between Israel and the United States. Officials say they are "waiting for a turning point, when it is clear the regime is losing control and someone emerges who can take control and with whom it is possible to speak. There will be a stage when Israel and the United States call on Iranians to take to the streets. We are not there yet, but we are getting closer."
On President Trump's statement that the operation would last "four weeks or less," officials say: "It is hard to believe the Americans will continue bombing for three to four weeks. That is being said to pressure the Iranians."
Officials state that more than 70% of the Iranian public opposes the regime, and that Israel is taking "a wide range of measures to make it easier for the public to do what it needs to do, because ultimately they must take operational steps that will lead to a change of government."
Most of the cabinet discussion focused on Lebanon after Hezbollah joined the fighting. Ministers approved what were described as powerful IDF operations in Lebanon. Officials say Hezbollah's entry was anticipated from the outset and that Israel is using the moment to strike and dismantle the organization.
On the Houthis in Yemen, officials say the group has not fired at Israel since the operation began. Israel is prepared for both missile launches from Yemen and a possible ground incursion by the Houthis. Officials say the group is "keeping their heads down" for now but preparations are in place. They add: "Under cover of the war in Iran, Israel is using the situation to remove all existential threats against it."
Officials say 63% of Iran's retaliatory missiles at Gulf states were aimed at the UAE. They add that Iran's next phase will likely target oil facilities to drive up prices, believing this will pressure Gulf leaders to push Trump to stop the war. However, officials say the result so far has been the opposite.
Topics: Iran, Lebanon & Hezbollah, Missile Defense & Alerts
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