ISRAEL PERSPECTIVE

Jerusalem watches the escalation with the satisfaction of those who have argued for toughness for months. Israel's high command isn't waiting: Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, visiting Northern Command, warns that the recent Israeli strike in Iran was only a 'prelude' to a 'much more significant and heavy' operation, and insists the IDF remains 'alert and ready to strike Iran again with another hard and deep blow.' The Israeli narrative tracks Trump's: Iran 'taps and taps and taps' to buy time, and only force brings it back to the table. But the Israeli press doesn't hide that the country is paying a price too — Ramat David airbase near Haifa was hit by a missile fragment overnight, with satellite images confirming damage to a hangar, and the IDF investigating whether it was an unintercepted missile. Defense officials even acknowledge, half-spoken, that Tehran 'is managing to limit the IDF's freedom of action.' Some commentators argue Iran is now seeking to impose 'a new regional order,' even as its nuclear setbacks 'reshape the Gulf's future.' In the background sits domestic politics: with autumn elections looming, Netanyahu is working to rebuild his right-wing bloc, and Smotrich and Ben Gvir remain indispensable partners. Toughness toward Tehran also helps weld that coalition together.