Khaberni - Israel has warned the United States in recent days that it might act alone if Iran crosses the red line concerning ballistic missiles.
The warning came as U.S.-Iranian negotiations began, amid Israeli fears that Washington might settle for an agreement on Iran's nuclear program without stopping the missile program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will arrive in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the Iranian file with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Netanyahu is expected to inform the U.S. President about what is acceptable to Israel and what Israel might reject in any potential agreement between the United States and Iran.
The Israeli newspaper "Jerusalem Post" stated: "Recently, Israeli defense officials informed their American counterparts that the Iranian ballistic missile program represents an existential threat, and that Israel is prepared to act alone if necessary."
It added: "According to Israeli security sources, Israel's intentions to dismantle Iranian missile capabilities and its manufacturing infrastructure were expressed over recent weeks through a series of high-level communications."
The paper continued: "Israeli military officials have presented operational plans to weaken the program, including strikes on major manufacturing sites."
It quoted an Israeli source saying: "We informed the Americans that we will strike alone if Iran crosses the red line we set regarding ballistic missiles."
It added that "Israel has not yet reached this point, but it is continuously monitoring developments inside Iran."
According to the newspaper, "Officials emphasized that Israel retains its freedom of action and affirmed that it would not allow Iran to rebuild strategic weapons systems on a scale that threatens Israel’s existence."
An Israeli military official described the current situation as a "historic opportunity" to strike a powerful blow to the Iranian missile infrastructure and neutralize active threats to Israel and neighboring countries.
The official said: "In the most recent talks, Israel presented plans to target additional facilities related to the missile program."
A number of officials expressed concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump might adopt a model of limited strikes, similar to the recent American operations against the Houthis in Yemen, which they fear would leave Iran’s vital capabilities intact.
Another Israeli military official said: "The concern is that he might select some targets, declare their success, and leave Israel to face the repercussions, just as he did with the Houthis."
He added, warning that "partial actions will not eliminate the fundamental threat."
According to the newspaper, it is expected that Brigadier General Omer Tischler, the appointed commander of the air force, will accompany Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his forthcoming visit to the United States.
It stated: "Tischler will represent the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, as there is currently no defense attaché in Washington after the decision of the Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, not to approve the army's nominee for this position."
