Israel's Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has warned of a potential multi-front war and stated that Iran is the driving force behind the convergence of anti-Israel fronts. In a briefing with reporters, Gallant said that Israel must prepare for a new security era in which they face several significant security threats simultaneously. Gallant noted that they have been operating under the assumption that limited conflicts could be managed, but this phenomenon is disappearing.
Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group, received $700 million from Iran last year, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry's data. They also received knowledge and strategic weaponry, such as precision-guided munitions. Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, received $100 million, and the Gaza-based Islamic Jihad group received tens of millions of dollars. Iran also transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to Iranian-backed militias in Syria and to the Syrian government.
Gallant stated that increased financing makes these groups increasingly dependent on Tehran, which expands its regional influence considerably. This also encourages them to dare more and cross red lines they did not cross before. Gallant noted that Israel would not allow Iran to establish an Iranian army in Syria, the Golan Heights to become Lebanon, or Syrian territory to become a springboard for advanced weapons heading to Lebanon.
Regarding the Iranian nuclear program, Gallant said, “Iran is closer than ever to reaching military nuclear capability. In the face of this threat, we must act in one of two ways: military action or a credible military threat.”
Gallant did not directly address recent attacks in Syria attributed to Israel. Still, he noted that the IDF continues to systematically hurt Iranian assets and targets in the region, and since he took office, the rate of attacks in Syria doubled.
In summary, Israel is facing several significant security threats simultaneously involving Iran's proxies in the Middle East. Gallant warns of a multi-front war and notes that Iran is the driving force behind the convergence of anti-Israel fronts. Increased financing makes these groups increasingly dependent on Tehran, which expands its regional influence considerably, and this encourages them to cross red lines they did not cross before. Gallant calls for action in the face of the Iranian nuclear program and warns that the whole world, including Israel, should stay awake at night.
