Israeli analysts warn against another clash with Iran

Dani Sitrinovich, who previously headed the Iran branch in the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate, described another war with Iran as a “dangerous mistake.” He stressed that, contrary to Israeli officials’ claims, the previous conflict did not result in victory for Israel. Iran not only preserved its nuclear capabilities but also inflicted significant damage on Israeli territory.

In an article for the Atlantic Council, Sitrinovich wrote that if war resumes, the situation would be even more difficult for Israel, as Iran has learned from past conflicts and is better prepared.

He also warned that there is no guarantee the U.S. would provide the same level of financial and military support again. Previously, the U.S. faced domestic criticism for the $800 million cost of the THAAD missile defense system supplied to Israel.

Sitrinovich, like many foreign experts, acknowledged Iran’s missile capabilities, noting that Iranian military strength could nullify Israel’s claimed achievements. He added that Israel has failed to prevent the expansion of Iran’s military capabilities.

War would not benefit Israel

According to Sitrinovich, the Iranian issue cannot be solved with force; the only realistic path is diplomatic agreement. Otherwise, a renewed war could turn into an endless attritional conflict for Israel.

He described Western engagement with Iran as beneficial to Israel, and warned that another war would impose heavy economic burdens and weaken Israel’s strategic position.

Sitrinovich also noted that Israeli leaders failed to achieve their objective of toppling the Iranian government; on the contrary, the attacks strengthened Iran’s internal cohesion and nationalism, a trend likely to intensify in future confrontations.

Israel had no choice but to end the war

“Israel had no choice but to end the war quickly.” This key conclusion comes from the British think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). The institute emphasized that Israel faced a crisis-hit economy and therefore had no option but to end the conflict with Iran promptly.

Western analysts also agreed that Israel was compelled to end the war quickly, citing a weakened economy and a fatigued population. RUSI reported that the war against Iran cost Israel hundreds of millions of dollars daily, with total recent financial losses estimated at $1.5 billion.

The think tank added that given the high costs of the Gaza conflict, Israel had to conclude its confrontation with Iran early; otherwise, its economy would have faced a severe crisis.