Former Israeli military commander admits: War with Iran will hurt us

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, Feb. 23 (YPA) – Former commander of the Israeli Air Defense Forces, Brigadier General (Res.) Ran Kochav, acknowledged that a war with Iran would not be a walk in the park. He pointed out that in Operation Rising Lion, the Iranians inflicted damage and casualties, and he expects the same to happen in the next round, causing Israel harm and pain.

In an interview with Israel’s Channel 13, Kochav argued that Israel remaining on military alert and awaiting Trump’s decision creates a very stressful situation, considering the ability to withstand and maintain operational continuity, and the ability to remain in a state of readiness and alert for an extended period, to be a real challenge.

He admitted to gaps in fortification and on the home front, explaining that gaps in fortification mean a shortage of fortified rooms and shelters, noting that the recent State Comptroller’s report detailed this.

Kochav added that there is also a shortage of interceptor munitions, continuing: “Even in the next round, although we have good, perhaps very good, air defenses, they are not perfect.”

Kochav also described the war as “complex,” hinting that in the next round we might face Hezbollah from Lebanon and perhaps Yemen, and air defenses will still need more.