Iran Missile Threat Demands Offensive Strategy

The threat from Iran is not just theoretical it’s immediate, dangerous, and growing. That was the blunt warning from retired Vice Admiral Eliezer “Chayni” Marom, former commander of the Israel Navy, during a recent radio interview. His message to Israel’s defense establishment was clear: the country must adopt a new security doctrine that emphasizes preemptive strikes and robust active defense, or risk devastating consequences.

Marom, a veteran voice in Israel’s security landscape and a former member of the IDF General Staff Forum, pulled no punches in his analysis. He argued that the longstanding Israeli strategy of early warning followed by decisive mobilization is no longer viable in a world where threats emerge suddenly and from all directions including from distant, third-ring states like Iran.

“The time has come to stop waiting for threats to build up on the other side of the border,” Marom said. “Israel must shift from a posture of response to a posture of initiative.” He underscored that Israel’s size and geography leave no room for delayed action. The defense doctrine must adapt and fast.

According to Marom, the October 7 attack by Hamas served as a grim wake-up call, exposing the flaws in Israel’s traditional model of defense. It’s not just about building stronger home-front defenses; it’s about redefining the battlefield entirely. “We will no longer defend from the rear for the communities. There will be a perimeter,” he said, advocating for forward deployment and proactive control of buffer zones to protect Israeli civilians more effectively.

When it comes to Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, Marom was especially direct. He confirmed that while Israel had destroyed many Iranian launch platforms, the threat is far from over. Iran had prepared massive barrages of 500–600 missiles. Only Israel’s seamless blend of offensive operations and advanced air defense systems prevented a major catastrophe but some missiles still got through.

Marom warned that a larger barrage could wreak havoc, killing many, grounding air travel, and grinding the economy to a halt. He rejected any illusion that Iran’s air defenses are weak or that time is on Israel’s side. “We have no choice. If we sit and wait, this threat will grow,” he said, referring to the dangerous pre-1973 “conceptzia” of false assumptions that led to strategic surprise.

He also highlighted the strategic pattern emerging from years of conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. Iran prefers to attack Israel indirectly, using proxies, while shielding its own core infrastructure. Yet it continues to rebuild its ballistic capabilities, presenting a long-term strategic threat. “We must avoid outdated assumptions and keep pressure on Iranian capabilities while maintaining offensive and defensive readiness in parallel,” Marom emphasized.

The message is urgent and timely: deterrence must come through strength, not hesitation. Israel's survival depends on bold strategic thinking, rapid adaptation, and the willingness to confront its enemies before they strike.

Israel remains a nation built on courage, vigilance, and action. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on how Israel continues to defend its people and its future.