Ex-Israeli General warns of strategic defeat in war with Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Jun 15. 2025

Former Israeli General Amos Gilad warns that the war with Iran may end in strategic defeat for “Israel,” citing US disengagement.

A former senior official in the Israeli Ministry of Security, Reserve Major General Amos Gilad, warned that the ongoing aggression on Iran could end in a strategic loss for “Israel”. Speaking to Channel 12, Gilad expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation and questioned the wisdom of initiating the war without solid US backing.

Gilad voiced concern over Iran’s capacity to retaliate, stating, “We may reach a situation where they continue to attack us. They understand, based on what the consul in New York, who is supposed to represent Israel, is saying, that the United States is not with us.”

He warned that if “Israel” finds itself isolated, Iran may accelerate its nuclear program. “Eventually, Iran will say, Israel attacked us, so we have no choice but to develop nuclear weapons. Our reward will be our defeat.”

Iran will fight back, Gilad warns

Gilad stressed that Iran would not back down easily, noting that the confrontation may last long and cause damage to “Israel’s” strategic posture. “The Iranians will fight, and it may take a long time. From their perspective, we have harmed their national honor,” he said.

He argued that “Israel” cannot dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities alone. “There is the Fordow site, which is deeply buried underground and requires American assistance,” he explained.

Criticism of political leadership, Trump strategy

He pointed to the absence of effective state institutions. “We don’t have a Foreign Ministry or other agencies; there’s just Netanyahu and Dermer! Did you coordinate with Trump?”

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Gilad also dismissed characterizations of Trump as unpredictable. “That’s not true—he has a method. He’s very happy for others to do the work. He will fight until the last Israeli,” he warned. “He might join, but he said it himself: only if American soldiers are attacked. And they haven’t been.”

Strategic isolation, global dynamics

Gilad concluded that “Israel” is heading toward a counterproductive outcome. “The Iranians intend to continue launching rockets, and they may retain this ability. Countries like China and Russia might also stand by their side,” he said.

He stressed the strategic danger of continuing the war without international coordination, warning that miscalculated aggression could leave “Israel” diplomatically isolated and strategically weakened.

Where does the US stand?

Meanwhile, the Pentagon remains divided over US engagement in conflicts in the Middle East, with many calling for the implementation of the America First policy over providing more military support for “Israel”.

Former Pentagon adviser and retired US Army Colonel Douglas MacGregor issued a stark warning on Sunday, cautioning that a war with Iran could plunge the United States into a global conflict.

“War with Iran is likely to walk the United States directly into WWIII. Let’s avoid this!” MacGregor posted on X, as tensions reached a new high following a major escalation between the Israeli occupation and the Islamic Republic of Iran.


Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran and vowed to defend “Israel”.

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