Former Israeli Minister Urges Creation of Safe Shelters Amid Tel Aviv’s Intensified Call for Action Against Iran

Lieberman, the leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu Party, emphasized the immediate need for preparations to establish secure shelters for millions of individuals lacking adequate safety, during a statement on Wednesday.

Following his acknowledgment of the impact, he commented that the strong Iranian missile strikes last June inflicted significant damage on Israeli “strategic targets” during the 12-day conflict.

On June 13, Israel initiated a military offensive against Iran, which was subsequently joined by the United States. In retaliation, Iranian armed forces targeted strategic sites within the occupied territories and the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest US military facility in West Asia.

In response to relentless counterattacks, Israeli authorities have been driven to pursue a ceasefire agreement.

Lieberman stated that the decision regarding military action against Iran ultimately rests with Trump.

“We are at a point where Israel should exercise restraint and be patient,” he stated, claiming that Israel has “limited capacity to sway Trump, as he is the decision-maker on critical matters.”

In recent weeks, a number of Israeli officials, such as Israeli military chief of staff Gen. Eyal Zamir and Mossad’s head David Barnea, have traveled to Washington. This comes amidst the ongoing buildup of U.S. military forces in proximity to Iran.

According to a report by U.S. media outlet Axios, American officials have indicated that Israel has been urging Trump to approve a military strike on Iran. However, Trump has shown hesitation and has not granted authorization for such an action so far.

A U.S. official has indicated that the push for a strike primarily comes from the Israelis, suggesting that Trump is not currently aligned with that position.

The report emerges amid a reduction in the threat of military conflict between Iran and the United States. This follows recent announcements from both nations indicating a willingness to potentially revive discussions concerning Tehran’s nuclear agenda.

Last month, Trump issued threats of military action against Iran while urging aggressive demonstrators to take control of governmental facilities, assuring them that “help is on its way.”

Iranian authorities have issued a stern warning, stating that any assault on their nation will elicit a swift and formidable retaliation. They assert that their response will focus on American military installations and forces throughout the region, in addition to cities under Israeli control.

Trump has transitioned his approach, moving from warnings of military intervention to advocating for a diplomatic nuclear agreement with Iran.

According to a report by Axios, three senior advisers to Trump have indicated that both Trump and several individuals within his inner circle are now doubtful about the appropriateness of launching a military strike on Iran.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has issued a cautionary statement, asserting that any military conflict initiated by the United States against Iran could escalate into a broader regional war.