Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi confirmed on Wednesday that the Israeli army is accelerating what he described as "operational plans" against Iran due to Tehran's advances in its nuclear program. Kochavi stated that "progress in the Iranian nuclear program has led the Israeli army to expedite its operational plans," noting that "the recently approved defense budget is allocated for this purpose," according to the Jerusalem Post. He added that the Israeli army is working in various ways "to limit Tehran's influence in the Middle East," calling the action plan to revive the Iranian nuclear program "dangerous."
Kochavi's remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visits Washington to discuss the issue of Iran with officials in President Joe Biden's administration. Before leaving for Washington on Tuesday, Bennett stated that the top priority in his conversation with Biden will be Tehran, adding that "this comes alongside the leap we have witnessed in the Iranian nuclear program over the past two or three years."
According to the New York Times, Israeli Prime Minister Bennett revealed that Tel Aviv will continue its covert attacks on Iran's nuclear program and will oppose U.S.-led attempts to restore the nuclear deal with Tehran. He added that he would present a new strategy to the White House to contain the Iranian nuclear program.
Additionally, Axios reported, citing an unnamed Israeli official, that Bennett would emphasize to Biden the necessity of having an alternative plan regarding Iran amid weak prospects for Tehran returning to the nuclear agreement, stressing that the plan should also address Tehran's regional activities. Bennett is scheduled to meet with senior Biden administration officials on Wednesday, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and will meet with Biden on Thursday.
