Smotrich Warns Economic Pressure on Iran Could Trigger Military Escalation
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned that extreme economic pressure on Iran could provoke a military escalation, stating Israel would retaliate by destroying Iranian energy infrastructure.
Smotrich Warns of Iranian Escalation Amid Economic Pressure
Finance Minister and Security Cabinet member Bezalel Smotrich warned that escalating economic pressure on the Iranian regime could drive Tehran toward military escalation. Israel is fully prepared for such a scenario in both defense and offense, and any military move by Iran should be met with massive strikes on its energy infrastructure.
Speaking on Tamir Dortal's podcast "Al HaMashmaut," Smotrich addressed the possibility of the Iranian regime facing a desperate economic situation. If such an escalation occurs, Israel must respond with overwhelming force, he stated.
"Then fine, we will destroy all of its internal and external energy infrastructure," Smotrich said.
Economic Collapse and Regime Stability
Smotrich linked Iran's economic crisis to the stability of the regime, suggesting that if Iranian citizens reach a point where they have nothing left to lose, it could ignite a popular uprising against the government.
He also discussed the management of multiple combat fronts, noting the strategic logic of prioritizing arenas rather than opening all fronts simultaneously.
Security Assessments and Strategic Dilemmas
Smotrich's remarks align with recent defense establishment assessments indicating that compounded pressure could push Tehran toward escalation. According to reports by Maariv military correspondent Avi Ashkenazi, defense officials recognize growing frustration in Tehran, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad over their inability to alter the regional status quo.
Iran also faces severe pressure from US operations, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. A military source noted that Tehran is forced to make difficult budgetary choices between basic civic needs and air defense systems.
"Today the Iranian government has to choose where it puts its last dollar: on bread and electricity for citizens, or buying air defense systems to deal with another attack if it comes," the source stated.
