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Source: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-899533
Amb. Ron Dermer: Iran Weakened, Hizbullah Shattered
(Jerusalem Post) Idan Kweller - Iran, Hizbullah, and Hamas have all been significantly weakened since Oct. 7, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer said Monday. He said that while he had heard "many fears and concerns" about a U.S. agreement with Iran, Israel should "take a step back" and assess the current strategic picture. "Two and a half years ago, Iran posed an existential threat to Israel. Three years later, Iran's nuclear capability has been destroyed" and its ballistic capabilities had been set back by years. That gives Israel time to strengthen its defenses. "Within two or three weeks, we will know whether the Iranians are prepared to give up their nuclear program," he added. "I doubt that will happen." "Hizbullah is maybe 25% of what it was before," he said, although it still retains military capabilities. He said defeating Hizbullah outright would require a force twice the size of the IDF, but stressed that Israel would not allow a terrorist organization to threaten its borders. Prime Minister Netanyahu has made clear that Israel will have to act to prevent Hizbullah from rebuilding, Dermer said, adding that the Trump administration understands Israel's position.