The New Yorker Radio Hour: Why Israel Struck Iran First
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: David Remnick
Guest: Yossi Klein Halevi, Journalist and Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Why Israel Struck Iran First," hosted by David Remnick, The New Yorker Radio Hour delves deep into the complex and escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Featuring an insightful conversation with renowned journalist Yossi Klein Halevi, the episode explores the motivations, implications, and potential future outcomes of Israel's decision to initiate military action against Iran amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape.

Background and Context

David Remnick sets the stage by highlighting Benjamin Netanyahu's longstanding opposition to a Palestinian state, noting that his true obsession lies with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He elucidates how Iran's theocratic regime, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has consistently threatened the destruction of Israel, fueling regional instability through the arming of proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Remnick: "Netanyahu's true obsession for years has been the Islamic Republic of Iran... Iran has armed and funded proxies to fight Israel."
[01:08]

Shift in Regional Power Dynamics

The conversation underscores a pivotal shift in the regional power balance following the events of October 7th, when Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israel. This assault seemingly weakened Iran's standing, prompting Israel to strike Iran's air defenses and signaling the commencement of an all-out war.

Remnick: "Suddenly, Iran was weak. And sensing that weakness, Israel bombed much of Iran's air defenses."
[02:03]

Yossi Klein Halevi’s Insights

As a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, Yossi Klein Halevi provides a nuanced perspective on Israel's strategic decisions. He emphasizes Iran's relentless obsession with Israel, rooted in apocalyptic theology and state policy, making the potential threat of a nuclear-armed Iran an existential concern for Israel.

Halevi: "The tipping point is the obsession of the Iranian regime with Israel... there is a clock, a doomsday clock, that's marking time to the destruction of Israel."
[04:08]

Preemptive Strike: Moral and Strategic Imperatives

Halevi discusses the moral imperative driving Israel's preemptive actions against Iran, despite uncertainties surrounding the latter's nuclear capabilities. He reflects on historical parallels, such as the Holocaust, to illustrate the collective psyche that necessitates proactive measures to ensure Israel's survival.

Halevi: "When the Jewish people is turned into an obsession, then you need to take that seriously... what happened on October 7 was a kind of pre enactment in miniature of the destruction of Israel."
[05:14]

Debate on US Involvement and Historical Precedents

The dialogue navigates the contentious debate over US involvement in the Middle Eastern conflict, drawing parallels with past foreign interventions like Vietnam and Iraq. Halevi argues that Israel's situation is distinct, given its direct existential threats and the effectiveness of its military responses compared to historical US engagements.

Halevi: "The Israeli perspective is not Vietnam and it's not the American war in Iraq and Afghanistan... we have neutralized a threat that was hovering over this country for 30 years."
[12:07]

Critique of Diplomacy and the JCPOA

Halevi critiques the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), asserting that its sunset clauses would have left Iran perilously close to developing nuclear weapons. He defends Trump's decision to withdraw from the treaty, arguing that continued diplomacy would have only empowered Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional dominance.

Halevi: "If you have no limits on your ability to produce advanced centrifuges, then you could move enrichment to weapons-grade uranium within a few weeks."
[15:29]
Halevi: "Trump was right to walk away. Iran's violations of its nuclear treaty... reinforced their sense of hesitation."
[17:33]

Potential Consequences of Regime Change

Addressing concerns about unintended consequences, Halevi acknowledges the historical precedents of foreign invasions but distinguishes Iran's situation by highlighting the Iranian populace's desire for regime change. He remains cautious about the outcomes, recognizing the inherent unpredictability of such significant geopolitical shifts.

Halevi: "I don't think things will go smoothly, whether in the interests of the Iranian people or... what Israel did by launching its strike against Iran is give Trump a gun on the table."
[29:52]

Netanyahu’s Role and Internal Israeli Politics

The discussion turns to Netanyahu's influence and the internal dynamics of Israeli politics. Halevi expresses deep distrust in Netanyahu's motivations, suggesting that the Prime Minister may be leveraging the war for personal political gain. He fears that Netanyahu's dominance could overshadow the necessary moral and strategic considerations essential for lasting peace.

Halevi: "I have no doubt that he is capable of starting a war for his own political needs."
[23:55]
Halevi: "Netanyahu may be able to partially mitigate his disastrous legacy by defeating Iran, but he will not be the guy to bring peace between Israel and the region."
[33:40]

Future of Israel Post-Conflict

In contemplating the future, Halevi emphasizes the imperative of resolving the Palestinian issue to ensure Israel's long-term survival and moral credibility. He envisions a scenario where the fall of the Iranian regime could lead to an expansion of the Abraham Accords and a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian tragedy.

Halevi: "My own hope... when the Iranian regime falls... it would include some resolution of the Palestinian tragedy."
[40:28]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Halevi's somber reflection on the path forward for Israel. While acknowledging the immediate tactical successes against Iran, he underscores the critical need for addressing internal political strife and the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region.

Halevi: "Our long-term survival, our moral credibility... depends on resolving the Palestinian tragedy."
[36:58]

Notable Quotes:

• Yossi Klein Halevi: "When the Jewish people is turned into an obsession, then you need to take that seriously."
  [05:14]

• David Remnick: "If you have no limits on your ability to produce advanced centrifuges, then you could move enrichment to weapons-grade uranium within a few weeks."
  [15:29]

• Halevi: "The war in Gaza... has become an enormous strategic and moral liability for Israel."
  [36:58]

This episode offers a profound exploration of the intricate factors driving Israel's military actions against Iran, the interplay of regional and international politics, and the profound implications for future stability in the Middle East. Yossi Klein Halevi's expert analysis provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved and the urgent need for thoughtful, strategic solutions.