JERUSALEM — Israeli defense officials have told U.S. counterparts that Iran’s ballistic missile program poses an existential threat and that Israel is prepared to act unilaterally if necessary, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The officials outlined plans to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and production infrastructure during recent high-level exchanges with Washington. Military officials described operational concepts, including strikes on key manufacturing sites, to degrade the program.

“We told the Americans we will strike alone if Iran crosses the red line we set on ballistic missiles,” a source told the Jerusalem Post, adding that Israel has not yet reached that threshold but is monitoring developments closely.

Israeli officials emphasized that the country reserves the freedom to act independently and will not allow Iran to restore strategic weapon systems at a scale that threatens its existence. One defense official called the moment a “historic opportunity” to significantly weaken Iran’s missile infrastructure.

Sources told the Jerusalem Post they are concerned that U.S. President Donald Trump might pursue a limited strike model similar to recent operations against the Houthis in Yemen, leaving critical Iranian capabilities intact. “The worry is he might choose a few targets, declare success, and leave Israel to deal with the fallout,” one official said.

Brig.-Gen. Omer Tishler, the incoming Israeli air force commander, is expected to accompany Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his upcoming U.S. visit, representing IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, amid the absence of a defense attaché in Washington.