Yossi Mekelberg on Open Deterrence Against Iran Israel's New Old Option
Yossi Mekelberg, Associate Fellow at Chatham House, analyzes Israeli policy options towards Iran and potential consequences.
Though Israel would prefer that issues with Tehran be resolved diplomatically through the international community, it perceives Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an existential threat and cannot rule out the military option.
However, Menkelberg argues that military engagement is the least desirable option and would be detrimental to Israeli national interests. Besides pursuing diplomatic and economic pressure, Mekelberg advises open deterrence: Israel should disclose its own nuclear capabilities, clarify how it would respond in the event of a nuclear attack and accept the fact that other nations may achieve nuclear capabilities in the future.
