An analysis titled “The Israel-Iran war has now become a tough test of endurance” was published by the Economist, as “both sides have been preparing for an aerial and missile war for decades,” the publication notes. The same report states that Israeli officials estimate it would take at least two weeks to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, “a fact that foreshadows an exhausting confrontation.”
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Even in this scenario, however, Israel may need American assistance to deliver the decisive blow to Iran’s deeply buried nuclear facilities, the Economist emphasizes.
The same publication stresses that “for Israel, the next few days are of crucial importance: If it manages to maintain the image of military success, it may attract the support of Donald Trump. However, if operations are delayed and casualties increase, Trump may push for an early cessation of hostilities before Israel’s objectives are achieved.”
“The endurance of Iran and Israel will be tested”
A hasty ceasefire, however, could give Iran a strong incentive to rapidly restore its nuclear program, the report also notes. “If mutual attacks continue for another 2-3 weeks, they will test the endurance of the two sworn enemies. Iran has a large arsenal, as its domestic industry is capable of manufacturing thousands of missiles annually, as well as a nuclear program that began in the 2000s with uranium enrichment facilities buried deep underground,” it continues.
If Iran does not throw in the towel, or if the regime is not overthrown, Israeli attacks will only make sense if they manage to delay Tehran’s nuclear program for years. As Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, stated, “Iran cannot defeat Israel, but Israel probably also lacks the capabilities for complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear program.”
At the same time, according to the Economist, it remains doubtful whether the US, which possesses the necessary bunker-buster bombs, will become involved in the conflict. If Israel does not secure American military assistance, it will have to find another way to end the war it started, the analysis concludes.
