Key Points and Summary – Top Israeli military officials are signaling that the recent “12-Day War” with Iran was just the beginning, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir declaring that the “campaign against Iran is not over.”
-This hawkish rhetoric comes as Israel announces a massive $12.5 billion increase in defense spending and a plan to accelerate the purchase of new Arrow missile interceptors.
-With Iran vowing to rebuild its damaged nuclear and air defense infrastructure, and President Trump also threatening new strikes “if necessary,” both sides appear to be preparing for a second, potentially more devastating, round of conflict.
Israel Might Not Be Done with Iran
An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) official confirmed on Tuesday that strikes against Iran and its proxies across the Middle East are expected to continue.
IDF Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, stated that the “campaign against Iran is not over” and that Iran and its regional axis “remain in our sights.”
The comments reflect weeks of speculation about the likelihood of future strikes as Tehran refuses to comply with calls from the U.S. and Europe to end its nuclear program.
Attending a multi-arena situational assessment on Monday, Zamir addressed members of the General Staff Forum and the Operational Staff Forum. During the meeting, Israeli military officials reviewed intelligence, assessed Israel’s most immediate border threats, the situation in the Middle East, and more. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halvi and senior commanders also examined regional dynamics, revealed upcoming operational steps, and assessed their expected near-term challenges.
After providing updates on the situation in Gaza, Zamir addressed Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah. He also said that plans are underway to strengthen Israel’s defenses over the next year.
“Alongside all of this, we do not forget our most precious resource – our people. Organizational culture, military and societal culture, and values are important matters that we must continue to tackle. The year 2026 will be a year of readiness, consolidation of achievements, return to competence and fundamentals, and utilizing operational opportunities,” he said.
On Sunday, the Iranian Defah Press news agency reported that Iran had restored its air defense systems following the 12-day war. Israeli military officials claim that 120 air defense systems were destroyed or disabled during the first-wave attacks. Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, the Iranian army’s deputy for operations, confirmed widespread damage but said that similar systems have since replaced air defenses left inoperable after the strikes. The news suggests that Iran is preparing for additional Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Finance and Defense Ministries are moving ahead with plans to increase defense spending by 42 billion NIS (approximately 12.5 billion USD) in anticipation of new waves of attacks. In a statement, the ministries said that the budget increase would allow the Israel Defense Ministry to “advance urgent and essential procurement deals critical to national security.”
Trump Also Makes a Bold Statement on Iran
This week, U.S. President Donald Trump also confirmed that he would consider launching fresh strikes against Iran “if necessary.”
The president’s comments came in response to an interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during which he told Fox News that Tehran has already begun the process of restoring its nuclear facilities and rebuilding its nuclear program.
About the Author:
Jack Buckby is a British author, counter-extremism researcher, and journalist based in New York. Reporting on the U.K., Europe, and the U.S., he works to analyze and understand left-wing and right-wing radicalization, and reports on Western governments’ approaches to the pressing issues of today. His books and research papers explore these themes and propose pragmatic solutions to our increasingly polarized society. His latest book is The Truth Teller: RFK Jr. and the Case for a Post-Partisan Presidency.
The Best Tanks on Earth
AbramsX: The Tank the US Army Wants
