Returning to all-too-familiar realities

Avi Abelow | Meta

Israelis returned to an all-too-familiar reality yesterday: receiving warnings that Iran might once again start firing missiles at Israel, and that we may need to be ready to run back to bomb shelters.

So far, in that regard, nothing has changed.

We remain on alert. We remain prepared. We remain living in the reality that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a jihadist regime committed to the destruction of Israel and the destabilization of the free world.

But the latest development coming out of Washington is significant, and encouraging.

After Iran repeatedly violated the memorandum of understanding with attacks on ships in Hormuz, President Trump declared the agreement effectively over and the United States responded with renewed strikes on Iranian targets. That is not a small detail. It is a major message.

Many Israelis, myself included, were deeply concerned when the memorandum of understanding with the Islamic Republic of Iran was first announced.

Any arrangement that gives this evil regime breathing room is dangerous. Any talking with the evil jihadi regime of Iran is dangerous. Iran does not negotiate in good faith. It uses diplomacy as another battlefield, buying time, rebuilding capabilities, and continuing its pursuit of nuclear weapons and regional domination.

That is why, from the very beginning, I said: do not panic.

Be concerned? Absolutely.

Be vigilant? More than ever.

But do not panic.

Two weeks ago, while attending the ARC Conference in London, I had the opportunity to interview White House counterterrorism envoy Sebastian Gorka. I asked him directly what he would say to Israelis and Iranians who were deeply worried about President Trump’s memorandum of understanding with the jihadi Islamic Republic of Iran.

His answer was immediate and unequivocal:

“Trust President Trump. He means exactly what he says and what he does.”

Many people are still confused. Many are still worried. Even after Trump’s words yesterday. Even after renewed U.S. strikes on Iranian targets last night. Even after Iran once again proved it cannot be trusted.

Yet I find this latest turn encouraging.

I have long believed that the best lens through which to understand President Trump is not ideology but priorities. Above all else, Trump is focused on protecting the American economy, and that means keeping global energy markets stable and preventing oil prices from spiraling upward.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean he is committed to toppling the Iranian jihadi regime in order to free the Iranian people. Personally, I wish he were. The Iranian people deserve freedom from the tyrannical Islamist regime that has oppressed them for nearly half a century. And the region deserves to be freed from their jihadi evil regime.

But I do believe that if Iran continues threatening regional stability, attacking American interests, or disrupting global energy markets, Trump will ultimately do whatever is necessary to stop them.

And if Israel will need to take the lead militarily in the end to make that happen, I believe he will back Israel when it matters most.

Yesterday’s developments reinforce that assessment.

Trump gave Iran an opportunity. Iran violated the understanding. America responded with force.

That is the language the Middle East understands.

The ayatollahs do not respect goodwill. They do not fear diplomatic communiqués or carefully worded statements from Western capitals. They respect strength. They fear consequences.

For Israel, the lesson remains unchanged.

We must never outsource our security.

We must never base our national survival on any memorandum, agreement, promise, or foreign guarantee.

Israel must remain sovereign, independent, and prepared to act alone whenever necessary.

At the same time, when America under President Trump demonstrates that it is willing to use force against Iran after its red lines are crossed, we should recognize it and welcome it.

This war is not over.

Iran may still launch missiles. Israelis may still find themselves running to bomb shelters. The regime remains dangerous and desperate.

But yesterday served as an important reminder.

Trump declared the memorandum effectively finished. America struck back. Will he flip back? Maybe. But at least Iran was reminded that there are consequences for crossing the line.

Stay alert.

Stay prepared.

But don’t panic.

The jihadi Iranian regime remains under immense pressure. Israel remains strong. And while the road ahead may still be long, yesterday was another reminder that peace in the Middle East is achieved not through wishful thinking, but through strength.

Remember, we put our trust only in God. Strengthen your faith. Share the truth.

Am Yisrael Chai!!!