PODCAST: Iran’s proxy strategy falters—will it double down or shift course?

Iran created proxies to protect the Islamic government and now they're engaged in a direct conflict with Israel to protect their proxies, leading to a failed strategy, said one former spokesperson for the government of Israel.

Eylon Levy, the former voice of the Israeli government during the October 7 Hamas invasion, discussed Israel's latest strike in Iran, and how Iran's failed strategy is impacting the next front in this seemingly never-ending saga on Eye for Iran.

Levy, who in his previous role attended high-level meetings with Israel’s top decision-makers, has a deep understanding of Israel’s strategic planning and calculations. He viewed Israel’s October 26 counterstrike as both powerful and effective in targeting Iran’s military capabilities, yet measured in its restraint.

Levy, who with his former job attended high level meetings with leading decision

Levy noted that understanding the Islamic Republic’s strategy is challenging, as he believes the government operates with a strong influence of theological motivations.

"I don't think it's unthinkable we could end up in spiral of escalation," said Levy.

He said the proxies Iran created to combat Israel and maintain their power in the greater region has proven to be a liability for Iran's leadership.

"Because Hamas' leaders went rogue on October 7th and invaded Israel in the hopes of sparking a regional war that has now dragged Iran into it. Iran is seeing direct Israeli air strikes which would have been unthinkable a while ago."

In light of Israel's resolve and the recent setbacks to its proxies, will Iran double down on its current objectives, or choose steps toward de-escalation?

Levy stated that the next move is up to Iran, with the ball now firmly in its court. Some Israeli parliament members have noted that Israel has yet to respond to Hezbollah's drone attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's seaside residence last month, with some even calling for a second retaliatory strike against Iran.

However, Iran has vowed to strike back against Israel with what they describe as a painful response for the October 26th air strikes.

Current intelligence indicates that Iran may be preparing an attack on Israel in coming days, according to multiple news reports.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Friday that the US is sending additional bomber aircraft and Navy warships to the Middle East to bolster America's presence in the region.

Levy doesn't see an end to the conflict between Iran and Israel unless the current establishment is overthrown in Iran.

As an Israeli citizen who sheltered while Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles on Oct 1, he understands that Iran's direct aggression is a red line for the government of Israel.

"That's not going to become the new normal in a way that we were told rockets from Hamas and Hezbollah were," said Levy.

"Oct 1 was a red line for them and they wouldn't allow Iran's direct ballistic missiles to be new normal, that was intention of Israel's response to uphold deterrence," he added.

As the world awaits to see what Iran's next move is, Levy points out that if people take Iran's leadership by their word, then a further escalation and potential for things to get out of control, could be happening soon.

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