Israel’s possible responses to Iran’s dangerous nuclear program after the election

An opportunity was missed by Israel to severely impact Iran’s nuclear-weapons program in its recent strike on Iran.

The targets chosen, air defense and missile-production facilities, were valid choices and likely caused significant damage to Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities.

However, this was not enough.

Pressure from the Biden administration led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to refrain from targeting Iran’s most serious threat: the existential risk of nuclear holocaust against Israel.

The threat presented by Iran’s nuclear aspirations, including the possibility of Tehran sharing nuclear devices with terrorist groups, poses dangers to the United States, Gulf Arab countries, and beyond.

Yet, this threat still looms.

This decision should weigh heavily on President Biden and his advisors.

Instead, their focus continues to be on Gaza, which is just one facet of Iran’s broader strategy against Israel. Biden has not comprehensively addressed Iran’s strategic threat to both Israel and the United States’ interests in preventing weapons of mass destruction.

Since the 2023 Hamas attack, the White House has concentrated on the symptoms of the danger rather than addressing its root cause: the Tehran regime led by the ayatollahs.

Following Election Day, Israel will have another opportunity to act.

Biden can no longer deter Israel from taking decisive action against Iran’s nuclear targets, and although determining the election winner may take time, the votes will have been cast.

Israel may still face post-election repercussions from a disgruntled, outgoing president. Barack Obama’s 2016 actions underscore this, as he chose not to veto a Security Council resolution on Israel’s borders. However, fears of electoral consequences in America will no longer be a barrier.

Iran, on the other hand, may also be awaiting an opportunity to strike Israel after November 5th.

The election outcome and future policies are uncertain, but the decision ultimately lies with Israel.

Some suggest that attacking Iran’s oil-and-gas infrastructure, which is vulnerable, could cripple its economy. However, Gulf Arab states warn of potential retaliation against their oil infrastructure if Iran’s facilities are targeted, resulting in mutual harm.

Attacking Iran’s nuclear program would have less global economic impact and likely minimal blowback from Iranian public opinion.

Eliminating the regime’s nuclear ambitions could severely undermine its credibility domestically, potentially leading to internal dissent and jeopardizing its rule.

After succumbing to pressure following Iran’s previous attacks, Israel must decide whether to act against Iran’s nuclear weapons activities post-November 5th.

Remember, Iran’s next move could involve nuclear capabilities.

John Bolton served as national security adviser to President Donald Trump from 2018 to 2019 and as US ambassador to the United Nations from 2005 to 2006.