1、WHAT DO U.S.-IRANIANTENSIONS MEAN FOR ISRAEL?AMOS YADLIN AND ARI HEISTEINJUNE 5,2019COMMENTARYFluctuations in the U.S.-Iranian relationship undoubtedly affect Israel,which counts the former as its closest ally andthe latter as its most formidable threat.Our focus being Israeli national security,we s
2、et out here to assess potentialimplications of recent escalation between Washington and Teheran so that Jerusalem can better prepare for any nuclearor conventional challenges that result from it.Israels vigilance has prevented the emergence of nuclear nightmarescenarios twice in the last four decade
3、s.One of us,Amos Yadlin,has played a role in those events by participating inthe strike on Iraqs Osirak reactor in 1981 as a pilot and then in the destruction of Syrias reactor in 2007 as Chiefof Intelligence.The recent attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and tankers off the coast of Fujeirah that h
4、ave been attributed to Iran bythe U.S.national security advisor indicate that the Irans“strategic patience”has worn thin.These strikes were likelya calculated(and perhaps indirect)response based on three key factors:Irans need to cope with increasing financialpressure,an estimation that President Do
