Israeli Minister Calls for Prolonging War on Iran, Describes it as a 'Blessing'

Israeli Minister Ze'ev Elkin, a member of the security cabinet, affirmed that the military attacks launched by Israel in cooperation with the United States against Iranian targets constitute a 'great blessing' for the Hebrew state. Elkin explained in statements to Hebrew media that this ongoing campaign strengthens Israel's strategic position in the region and significantly weakens the adversary's capabilities.

In a message addressed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Elkin, a member of the Likud party, stressed the need to change the political approach to the current conflict, considering that the priority should be focused on how to prolong military operations to ensure maximum destruction of Iranian infrastructure. He indicated that discussions about timelines for ending the fighting do not serve supreme security interests at present.

These statements come amidst Elkin's pivotal role within the 'Cabinet,' the council responsible for making fateful decisions and giving the green light for major military operations. Observers believe that this stance reflects a current within the Israeli government pushing for a comprehensive and continuous escalation to definitively undermine Iranian influence, away from international de-escalation pressures.

On the American side, sources reported that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed there is no specific time limit for the end of military operations against Iran. Hegseth clarified that the objectives set by Washington since the strikes began in late February are still in place, noting that the US administration has achieved significant field successes so far in crippling Tehran's military capabilities.

The US Secretary of Defense indicated that the final decision regarding a ceasefire or ending the military campaign rests exclusively with the President, who assesses the situation based on national interests and what has been achieved on the ground. He added that joint forces continue to carry out their missions with precision to ensure Iran cannot threaten international navigation or the security of allies in the Middle East.

In a related context, data released by the US Department of Defense 'Pentagon' revealed the extent of military operations carried out since February 28, with air and missile strikes hitting more than seven thousand vital targets within Iranian territory. These targets included military installations and command and control centers belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The operations were not limited to land targets but also extended to the Iranian Navy, with military sources confirming the destruction of more than 40 vessels designated for laying naval mines, in addition to targeting 11 submarines. These moves are part of a strategy aimed at securing waterways and preventing any Iranian reactions that could target global trade in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding region.

The discussion should not be about when the war will end, but about how we can prolong it and exacerbate the damage.