Why Iran Fears Israeli Intervention in the Conflict with the US – Analysis

Military correspondent for Maariv, Avi Ashkenazi, analyzes why Iran seeks to prevent direct Israeli involvement in the conflict with the US. Tehran fears Israel's superiority in intelligence and air defense, as well as its extensive target bank. Iran uses deterrence through the Houthis and rhetoric but avoids escalation. Netanyahu's foreign trips cause particular concern, as they were previously used as a diversionary tactic.

Military correspondent for Maariv, Avi Ashkenazi, in his article analyzes the reasons why Iran seeks to prevent direct Israeli involvement in the military conflict with the US. Amid the ongoing American operation, Tehran realizes that opening a second front against the IDF would lead to severe consequences. Key Iranian concerns include the vulnerability of its air defense system to Israeli technology, Israel's intelligence superiority capable of tracking missile launchers and movements of senior IRGC officials, and Israel's extensive target bank on Iranian territory. To deter Israel, Iran uses harsh rhetoric and indirect pressure through the Houthis, threatening shipping and Israeli assets. At the same time, Tehran restrains its controlled groups such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, avoiding regional escalation. Of particular concern to the Iranian side are the foreign trips of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Tehran remembers that his presence abroad was previously used as a diversionary tactic during the elimination of Hassan Nasrallah. A military source is quoted warning of a powerful Israeli response in case of an attack. The US is currently acting independently without involving Israel, but further developments will depend on the negotiations between Netanyahu and Trump in Washington.