Victoria Coates, former Deputy National Security Advisor, provided detailed insights into the division of military operations during last year’s conflict with Iran, revealing that Israel conducted the overwhelming majority of combat operations before American forces delivered the decisive final blow.
“Bear in mind they took care of 11 days of the 12-day war. We came in Operation Midnight Hammer at the end,” Coates explained during a Fox News interview, highlighting Israel’s substantial military capabilities and the coordinated nature of the U.S.-Israeli strategic partnership.
The revelation underscores Israel’s ability to independently prosecute major military campaigns while maintaining close coordination with American forces. Coates emphasized that Israel can “play a very important military role as well,” beyond the intelligence sharing that often dominates discussions of the bilateral relationship.
The 12-day conflict demonstrated what Coates described as Iran’s complete military vulnerability. “The Iranians were completely defenseless against both the Americans and Israelis, and they still are and they know it,” she stated, suggesting the military outcome left Tehran acutely aware of its disadvantageous position.
This awareness forms the backdrop for current diplomatic efforts. President Trump has offered Iran a deal requiring “no nukes, no support for terrorists and reduce your missiles,” according to Coates. However, she made clear that military options remain viable. “If they take it, okay. If they don’t, then he’s prepared,” she said.
The close military cooperation reflects an unprecedented level of strategic alignment between Washington and Jerusalem. Coates noted that Prime Minister Netanyahu is making his seventh visit to the White House during Trump’s second term, describing the meeting as “really unprecedented.” “We are staying so lashed up with our Israeli allies,” she emphasized.
This coordination extends beyond military operations to intelligence sharing that Coates argued serves American security interests directly. “The intelligence sharing between Israel and the United States is one of the aspects of that relationship that does keep the American people safe,” she explained. “This isn’t just about Israel’s security, this is about our security.”
The strategic partnership takes on heightened importance as Iran continues nuclear activities despite its military weakness. Coates disclosed that “we are seeing some movement around the entrance to those sites,” referring to Iran’s nuclear facilities, while Tehran maintains “more than 800 pounds of highly enriched uranium.”
Current U.S. military deployments mirror the readiness that enabled Operation Midnight Hammer’s success. “With the Abraham Lincoln in the region, with the George H.W. Bush getting close, with all of the additional Patriots and THADs that we’ve put in, we are prepared for anything,” Coates stated.
She indicated that President Trump’s patience has limits, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program and domestic repression. “Either that situation starts to improve in a material way, or I think you’ll see him take some action,” Coates warned.
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