Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
A stark warning from Israel’s top officials has exposed a grim paradox at the heart of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Even as it urges Iranians to rise up, it believes those who do may be “slaughtered”.
PRIVATE WARNING CONTRADICTS PUBLIC CALL
In a confidential assessment shared with the United States, Israeli officials have said Iran’s regime is “not cracking” and remains prepared to “fight to the end”, despite sustained military pressure, the Washington Post reported.
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According to a US State Department cable, Israeli officials told American counterparts that any large-scale uprising in Iran would likely be crushed with overwhelming force. The message was blunt – if Iranians take to the streets in large numbers, “the people will get slaughtered”.
The cable, circulated by the US Embassy in Jerusalem, relayed that Israel sees little immediate sign of internal collapse within Iran’s leadership.
IRGC ‘HAS THE UPPER HAND’
At the centre of this assessment is the strength of Iran’s internal security machinery. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, backed by forces such as the Basij, is seen as firmly in control.
The regime has already shown its willingness to use force. Thousands were killed during widespread anti-government protests earlier this year, triggered by economic distress and political repression.
Israeli officials believe any renewed mass mobilisation would face a similar fate, with the IRGC having the “upper hand” on the ground.
DESPITE FEARS, ISRAEL BACKS UPRISING
Despite this grim outlook, Israel has continued to publicly call on Iranians to rise up.
In a televised address at the start of the offensive, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would “strike hard at the terror regime” and create conditions for “the brave Iranian people” to free themselves. Similar appeals have followed in recent days.
Privately, Israeli officials have gone further, urging the US to be ready to support protesters if an uprising begins, even as they acknowledge the likely human cost.
The dual messaging – urging rebellion while predicting bloodshed – reflects the strategic complexity of the conflict, as Israel seeks to weaken Tehran’s leadership from within while continuing military operations.
WAR EXPANDS, PRESSURE BUILDS ON IRAN
The conflict has already seen thousands of targets hit across Iran by US and Israeli forces. These include nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile stockpiles, police stations and checkpoints run by internal security units.
Even so, Israel’s internal assessment suggests the strikes have not yet shaken the core of Iran’s leadership. “Every day that we weaken this regime is a gain,” Israeli minister Ze’ev Elkin said in a television interview, signalling that military pressure itself is seen as success.
TRUMP ADMITS RISK OF MASS KILLINGS
US President Donald Trump has also acknowledged the dangers faced by civilians.
“They literally have people in the streets with machine guns machine-gunning people down if they want to protest,” he said, conceding that unarmed demonstrators would struggle against such force.
The Trump administration’s position appears to have shifted. While earlier calls were made for Iranians to “take over” their government, officials now indicate Washington is no longer actively pursuing regime change.
A WAR WITH NO CLEAR END
Now in its third week, the conflict shows no signs of easing. Iran’s military capabilities have been hit hard, but its grip on power appears intact.
At the same time, global tensions are rising. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted a key energy route, pushing up prices and fuelling fears of a wider economic shock. Some US allies have already resisted calls to deepen their military involvement.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
