Former Israeli Air Force Chief: Iranian Regime ‘Near Its End’

by | Feb 22, 2026 | News

gray warship on body of water

Former Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. (res.) Eitan Ben Eliyahu says he believes Iran’s regime is nearing collapse, though he cautions that war is not imminent.

In a radio interview, Ben Eliyahu predicted the regime could fall within a few years due to growing internal unrest. “The protests will escalate,” he said, arguing that the system is eroding from within.

At the same time, he pushed back against speculation of an immediate military strike. Despite heightened U.S. military presence in the region, he said current signals are part of negotiation tactics rather than proof of an imminent attack.

“If diplomacy fails, everything is ready,” he said — but for now, talks continue.

He also downplayed Iran’s ballistic missile threat, stating it does not constitute an existential danger to Israel. Unlike nuclear weapons, he said, missiles can be countered by Israel’s advanced defense systems and strong Home Front Command.

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