Israel Attacked Iran Because It Had the Opportunity, Says Middle East Expert Daniel Gerlach

June 17, 2025 — As tensions spiral in the Middle East, questions are mounting over why Israel chose this moment to launch a wave of military strikes on Iran, targeting key nuclear and military sites.Middle East expert Daniel Gerlach offered a stark explanation:“The military reason is that they simply had the opportunity to do so.”Gerlach, a veteran analyst of regional geopolitics, argued that while Israel has consistently viewed Iran as an existential threat, the timing of the assault appears rooted in strategic opportunism more than direct provocation.Perfect Conditions for a Preemptive StrikeThe operation — referred to as “Operation Rising Lion” — included airstrikes on Iran’s Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities. According to Gerlach, several key factors aligned to create a rare window: • Iran’s air defenses were reportedly undergoing a partial redeployment. • Iran’s military focus had been diverted due to internal unrest and logistical constraints. • Western military postures in the region were observant but restrained.“In military terms, it was less about a specific trigger and more about seizing a fleeting opportunity,” Gerlach noted.Aftermath and Global ConcernThe strikes have drawn immediate condemnation from Iran and alarm from global powers. Tehran has already responded with retaliatory missile fire, and the United Nations Security Council is preparing for an emergency session on the escalating crisis.Despite the risk of regional war, Israeli officials remain resolute. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move as a “necessary and calculated” measure to neutralize long-term threats to Israeli security.Iran, meanwhile, has accused Israel of “state terrorism” and vowed a forceful response, raising concerns that the conflict could expand beyond bilateral military engagement.