NatSec Matters Israel's Strategic Reset: Yaakov Katz
Mar 20, 2026
Yaakov Katz, former Jerusalem Post editor and author, brings sharp expertise on Israeli security and regional strategy. He discusses Israel shifting focus from proxies to direct confrontation with Iran. Conversations cover public support for the campaign, targeting priorities from missiles to leadership figures, U.S. coordination, and political fallout for Israel's leadership.
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Why Israel Conducts Decapitation Strikes
- Israel pursues decapitation strikes because it's an established doctrine and the U.S. has legal and policy constraints.
- Katz notes Israel has repeatedly targeted IRGC and regime leaders while the U.S. focuses on different target sets.
Small Strikes Aim To Spark Iranian Popular Uprising
- Some strikes inside Iran, like attacks on Basij checkpoints, are symbolic to galvanize Iranian civilians.
- Katz explains small airstrikes aim to signal outsiders can be killed and potentially motivate street protests.
Israel And US Coordinate High Value Strikes
- Israel publicly said the South Pars strike was coordinated with the U.S., and Katz argues close operational integration makes unilateral Israeli escalation unlikely.
- He cites joint command centers and Israeli officers embedded with CENTCOM as evidence of coordination.
