Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar (Likud) said Tuesday evening that Israel's decision not to strike Iran is a favor to the United States, reflecting respect for the US. The remark reinforces his longstanding hawkish stance on Iran.
The statement, published via Zohar's official channel, frames Israel's military restraint toward Iran as a deliberate gesture of respect toward the United States. It comes as part of an ongoing public debate within Israel about the timing and scope of potential action against Iran's nuclear program. Zohar, a senior Likud figure and close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been among the most outspoken cabinet members on Iran. As The Zioneer reported, on June 15 he stated that Israel would strike Iran with great force, and on June 16 he said Israel would stand alone against Iran if needed. He has also previously asserted that Israel would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon and would act if the US failed to prevent it. The new remark suggests a shift in framing — from emphasizing Israel's willingness to act unilaterally to portraying restraint as a strategic favor to Washington. The comment does not indicate any change in policy, but underscores the domestic political and diplomatic calculus surrounding the Iran issue.
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