By: Dim Amor

Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb (Likud) has emphatically declared that in her opinion, the Israeli government is obligated to attack nuclear facilities in Iran, emphasizing that it is not a question of "if" but only of "when".

"Attacking Iran's nuclear facilities is an obligation! This government does not have the privilege of not completing this crucial mission for Israel's security", Gottlieb stated in a published declaration.

Gottlieb addressed the growing tension between Israel and Iran following recent exchanges of blows between the countries. According to her, the negotiations and "talks" that Iran is conducting with the international community are nothing but a tactic to gain time: "Iran is very patient and is mocking the entire world. 'Talks' are just an excuse to buy time for Iran's recovery and rehabilitation from the damage of Israel's latest attack".

MK Gottlieb added that she does not underestimate the Iranian threat, and emphasized that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is well aware of the danger. "What I know, Prime Minister Netanyahu also knows. Patience is not a dirty word alongside vigilance and cunning when facing our enemies", she said.

Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb's emphatic statements come at a critical turning point in Israel-Iran relations, as direct military confrontations between the two countries have occurred in recent weeks, following a prolonged period of covert conflict which was conducted primarily through proxy forces and affiliated organizations.

An Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities could ignite significant regional escalation, but Gottlieb is resolute in her position that Israel cannot afford to refrain from action. "Attacking Iran's nuclear facilities is not a question of yes or no but only a question of timing", she emphasized.

While Gottlieb's words are expected to draw criticism among the left wing in Israel and in the international community, they reflect a position that is gaining increasing support among right-wing circles in Israel, who believe that the emerging nuclear agreement will not stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and that only military action can prevent this scenario.

Recently, troubling reports have been published about the acceleration of uranium enrichment processes in Iran to particularly high levels, a development that raises deep anxiety among decision-makers in Jerusalem and Western capitals. International nuclear experts warn that the Islamic Republic is currently at an unprecedented proximity to the capability of producing nuclear weapons, should such a strategic decision be made in Tehran.

The forceful rhetoric expressed by Knesset Member Gottlieb joins a growing chorus of sharp statements from senior ranks in Israel's political and security establishment regarding the intensifying Iranian threat. Her words reflect the emerging consensus that, in the face of the developing Iranian nuclear threat, Israel must maintain a military response as a tangible and operational alternative, and not be satisfied with deterrent declarations alone.

Photo: Knesset website, in accordance with Section 27a of the Copyright Law