“Sprinter” Trump and the Iranian “marathon”. Behind the scenes of preparations for the largest operation since 2003
Israeli media report that Hezbollah may join a possible war with Iran. The US president will decide whether to start the war, but it will be a joint operation with Israel. In Jerusalem, Donald Trump's approach is causing concern, as he expects quick results, while the conflict may last for months.
During the several-day war started by Israel in June 2025 – which the US briefly joined by attacking Iranian nuclear facilities – Lebanese Hezbollah remained passive, but the Israeli army command estimates that in the event of another war with Iran, this armed group may join the fight.
Tehran is to put pressure on the new leader of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, to “repay the debt” for many years of support, and to attack Israel in the event of escalation, Israeli media, including the Ynet portal and the “Haaretz” and “Israel Hayom” daily newspapers, reported in recent days.
Although Hezbollah has not rebuilt its missile arsenal after the losses inflicted by Israel in 2024–2025, it may try to open a front on the border with Israel or attack five Israeli bases in southern Lebanon. Israel Hayom said the organization must decide whether it is loyal to Lebanon or Iran and is hesitant to embark on a new campaign for fear of ultimate destruction by Israel.
Israel, through the US, warned Hezbollah that it would respond decisively to a possible attack, including with airstrikes on Beirut and the Bekaa Valley – the group's traditional stronghold and logistical base. The Lebanese authorities are afraid of damage to infrastructure, but some of them believe that Hezbollah's further involvement in the war may make it easier for the state and the army to disarm it, commented “Haaret”.
Israeli media – like many foreign editorial offices – indicate that The U.S. buildup of the largest force in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq War goes beyond deterrence.. The newspapers report that Washington is intensifying preparations for a broad operation against Iran, in which Israel participates as a partner in the decision-making process. Although the operation is to be joint in nature, the US president will decide on its launch.
The author of the analysis in “Israel Hayom” describes Trump as a “sprinter” who expects quick results, while regime change in Tehran is a “marathon” that can last for months. In Israel, Trump's tendency to suddenly change his decisions is also a cause for concern. There is a risk that the US president could change course at the last minute, delay or cancel the planned attack. The author also points out that Trump defines military success broadly, recalling previous declarations about ending the campaign against Yemen's Houthi rebels, although they have not been defeated, or eliminating the Iranian nuclear program, even though this goal has not been achieved.
Both newspapers emphasize that the main and most ambitious goal of a possible operation against Iran is to change the regime in Tehran, which Israel considers a key strategic interest. Washington also emphasizes the need to end the repression against Iranian society, which is to constitute a moral justification for starting hostilities.
The planned air campaign assumes the systematic destruction of security infrastructure, including facilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia, in order to weaken the apparatus of oppression, thus eliminate public fear and initiate a grass-roots change of power through mass protests by the population.
Iran has been given approximately 10-14 days this week to respond to its ultimatum, which includes a complete halt to its nuclear program.including closing research facilities and transferring stocks of uranium enriched to 60 percent, eliminating the threat from the ballistic missile arsenal, and stopping financing and arming regional allies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis.
“Haaretz” also points out that the ongoing Ramadan may become an escalating factor, because a possible outbreak of violence during this period would promote the mobilization of public opinion in the Muslim world and could translate into an increase in the number of attacks and cause regional consequences that are difficult to predict.
The tension is also increased by the deteriorating situation of the Palestinians – cutting off workers from the Israeli labor market has deepened the economic crisis in the West Bank, and the expansion of Israeli control over this territory is exacerbating the political situation there.
Joanna Baczala (PAP)
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