Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eliezer (Chayni) Marom: “This Is What Israel Must Demand from the United States”

Maj. Gen. (res.) Eliezer (Chayni) Marom, former commander of the Israeli Navy, says Israel is at a highly sensitive moment as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump shape policy toward Iran. In a radio interview, Marom examined the evolving relationship between Jerusalem and Washington and explained why the American president is pressing for negotiations despite Israel’s reservations.

Speaking on Kol Hai Radio’s “Central Edition,” Marom said Netanyahu traveled to Washington primarily to clarify Israel’s conditions for any potential negotiations with Tehran. He stressed the importance of direct, face-to-face meetings between leaders in order to convey critical messages clearly and without ambiguity.

According to Marom, a key issue discussed was Israel’s freedom of action. He said Israel must secure an understanding with the United States that if Washington ultimately refrains from military action, Israel retains the right to carry out what he described as a defensive strike to protect itself. He emphasized that Israel cannot live under the threat of Iranian missiles and that Netanyahu had to insist the United States maintain its defensive deployment in the region to back Israel should it be forced to act to prevent an existential danger.

Marom also addressed Trump’s motivation for pursuing diplomacy, pointing to domestic political pressures in the United States. He said Trump faces voters within his own party who want America to avoid foreign wars and focus instead on the economy and the cost of living. As a result, Marom argued, Trump must demonstrate that he has exhausted diplomatic options before considering military action.

On the operational front, Marom discussed reports of a second U.S. aircraft carrier heading to the Middle East. He said the carrier does not require re-crewing and noted that a maintenance period of roughly ten months would not impair its operational readiness. He described American military systems as built for rapid deployment and said their presence sends a powerful deterrent message, even if the immediate goal is to support diplomatic efforts with visible military strength.

In conclusion, Marom said Israel must carefully navigate this delicate period, balancing urgent security concerns with Washington’s broader strategic priorities. While coordination between the two governments remains close, he believes Netanyahu will need to continue underscoring the risks of Iran using negotiations to buy time, all while recognizing that the White House is ultimately guided by its commitments to American voters seeking stability and economic calm.

{Matzav.com}