(Israel Hayom) Ariel Kahana - After Iran's second missile salvo, Israel's goal is to strike the Islamic Republic so decisively that it will think twice before engaging in a protracted conflict with Israel. Iran does not possess the capability to deploy ground forces against Israel, given the vast geographical distance. Moreover, Iran's air capabilities are limited. Iran had counted on its network of proxies to provide a protective umbrella against Western strikes. However, this strategy lies in tatters: Hamas is reeling, Hizbullah is on the back foot, and the various militias in Iraq and Yemen are little more than an irritant for Israel. Thus, Iran finds itself unexpectedly exposed. Oded Ailam, a former senior Mossad official, said Iran's "arsenal likely numbers around 2,000 missiles." In the aftermath of their first attack, Iranian leaders initially doubted Israel's claims of successful interceptions. Iran deployed more advanced Fateh-2 missiles in their second strike. However, Ailam estimates their stockpile of these advanced weapons is limited to between 400 and 800. With 200 already expended in a single attack, Iran's reserves of truly effective missiles may be running low, suggesting that their capacity for attrition warfare may be limited. Ailam said, "Iran faces a significant disadvantage against Israel. They lack a single Arrow missile and there isn't a single shelter in Tehran.... They're exposed in ways they never anticipated."
2024-10-13 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive