Gallant Warns of Renewed Conflict: Israel Prepares for Second War with Iran

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, Gallant criticized the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad’s earlier plans to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling them “ineffective and impractical.” He disclosed that the plans were officially scrapped in December 2024 after internal reviews concluded they lacked sufficient lethality, were too complex to execute, and failed to match the pace of Iran’s nuclear development.

To reassess Israel’s strategy, Gallant formed a “Red Team” led by former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and a group of retired military commanders. Their conclusion: a full rejection of Mossad’s approach. Gallant now advocates for a large-scale aerial campaign, stating, “Hundreds of aircraft must drop tens of thousands of bombs over Iran to establish air dominance.”

He also warned that any future strike must anticipate Hezbollah’s immediate involvement. However, Israel faces a critical ammunition shortage, exacerbated by the transfer of artillery shells to Ukraine.

Gallant outlined four key outcomes of the recent Israeli military operation against Iran:

• Collapse of Iran’s regional network: Hezbollah, Hamas, and affiliated forces in Syria were severely weakened, dismantling infrastructure built over four decades.
• Destruction of air defense systems: Iran’s missile shield was neutralized, with uncertain prospects for recovery.
• Damage to missile capabilities: Explosive production centers, over 200 launchers, and a significant portion of Iran’s missile stockpile were destroyed.
• Strikes on nuclear facilities: The Isfahan site was nearly obliterated, Natanz suffered major damage, and the U.S. targeted Fordow with bunker-busting bombs.

Gallant claimed that Israel’s deep intelligence penetration into Iran has unnerved Iranian officials and may be accelerating their pursuit of nuclear weapons. “We must remain on alert,” he said, “because the next round of war is coming.”

When asked about targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader, Gallant admitted that such an operation was attempted during the initial strike but failed. He suggested it should remain part of future plans, whether against the current leader or his successor.

He concluded with a warning to Tehran: “If Iran seeks revenge, it would be a grave mistake. We are now stronger, and they are weaker. The next round will be different—and we will have the upper hand.”

Despite the assertive tone, Gallant’s remarks also reflect an acknowledgment of Israel’s limited deterrence. His admission that Iran could rebuild its missile, air defense, and nuclear infrastructure points to the temporary nature of recent military gains. Analysts suggest this could escalate regional tensions and prompt Iran to expand its own deterrence strategies.

The former minister’s comments underscore a growing consensus in Tel Aviv: the conflict with Iran is far from over, and a second phase may be imminent.