Israeli Minister Signals Readiness for Third War Round Against Iran

An Israeli minister indicated on Monday the possibility of engaging in a third round of war against Iran, affirming full readiness for such an operation. A senior Israeli defense official likened the ongoing approach to Iran to the "boiling frog" strategy.

Nir Barkat, Israel’s Minister of Economy and Industry, stated, "We are on high alert, and if necessary, this will be the third round. I believe the reason the Iranians have not attacked us yet, at least so far, is because they fully understand what awaits them."

In an interview with Channel 14, Barkat added that following the first and second strikes, Israel managed to eliminate elite leaders and scientists within Iran and inflicted significant damage on their nuclear and missile capabilities.

He emphasized, "The Iranians understand well that we are capable of delivering very severe blows to them, which is why there is currently a form of deterrence. However, we do not have a guarantee that this will not happen a third time."

Barkat continued, "We are completely prepared, and depending on the necessity, I trust the Prime Minister and his coordination with President Trump that if this confrontation occurs again, we will strike them for the third time."

In a related context, Oren Solomon, a former senior officer in the Israeli Ministry of Defense, said, "We are at the heart of a major strategic shift, moving from a phase of understandings and attempts to reach agreements to a phase of reciprocal military strikes."

Speaking to the same channel, Solomon explained, "The expected successive and reciprocal attacks between the United States and Iran have a particular advantage and strategy, which is exactly like what we did with Hezbollah over a long period; we gradually withdrew their capabilities without them realizing it, similar to the idea of boiling a frog in water without it sensing the heat until suddenly it loses its strength and capabilities."

He stressed that the American president must decisively resolve matters with a crushing attack on Iran, making the Iranians realize the high cost they are paying. He stated that the ambition should extend to targeting energy and oil facilities, bridges, transportation, and ports—all targets that have not yet been adequately struck during the entire conflict or the recent attacks.

Solomon considered this the correct move that should currently take place, such as targeting the oil island of Kharg and others, to achieve a real resolution.

He confirmed that if this action succeeds in changing the behavior or structure of the Iranian regime, it would represent a huge and powerful success for U.S. President Donald Trump and would greatly benefit him in the upcoming midterm elections.

He concluded by acknowledging the presence of risk but stated that in this case, the step could bring significant benefit and interest. He believes this is the central topic of discussion and deliberation currently taking place within the U.S. administration.