Israeli Silence Surrounding U.S. Military Plans Against Iran Raises Eyebrows

Mon Feb 02 2026 17:20:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israel's unusual silence amid increasing speculations about U.S. military actions against Iran highlights a significant strategic moment for Jerusalem, as Prime Minister Netanyahu balances silence and calculated influence on potential regime change.

In light of ongoing tensions surrounding the U.S. military buildup against Iran, Israel has remained conspicuously quiet, revealing an important strategic calculation by Prime Minister Netanyahu. Observers suggest that Israel’s government is allowing the U.S. to take the lead while expressing cautious support for military action, with hopes that it could lead to regime change in Iran. However, there are deep divisions among Israeli lawmakers regarding the consequences and feasibility of such actions, especially given the lessons learned from past conflicts.

As speculation grows over a potential U.S. military intervention in Iran, Israeli leadership has notably chosen a path of restraint, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's silence standing in stark contrast to the heightened discussions in the international arena.

Despite supportive comments regarding anti-government protests in Iran, Netanyahu has refrained from publicly endorsing any aggressive military actions by the U.S. This silence is interpreted by analysts as a tactical choice, allowing the U.S. to assume a leading role due to its superior military capabilities and international standing.

Former Israeli defense officials argue that this moment, amid a shift in Iranian military capability following the prior 12-day conflict, presents a unique opportunity to push for regime change in Tehran. Intelligence discussions between Israeli and U.S. officials have reportedly centered on potential targets in Iran, hinting at a collaborative but distinctly cautious approach.

Inside Israel, public opinion appears to lean towards military action, with surveys reflecting strong support for aggressive steps against Tehran. Yet, there’s an underlying tension regarding the risks of such actions, particularly if they result in the current regime surviving military strikes, as evidenced by the previous war's repercussions.

While Netanyahu is positioned as a leader advocating for a decisive action against Iran, both the risks of military confrontation and the potential destabilization of the region loom large. As tensions mount and discussions of a new negotiated settlement circumnavigate the political landscape, analysts point out the grave unpredictability surrounding U.S.-Iran relations going forward.