Friday Jul 11, 2025
NEWSLETTER
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
  • Home
  • News
    • Israel
    • Israel at War
    • Middle East
    • United States
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
  • In Memoriam
www.israelhayom.com
Home News Israel at War

Behind the scenes of the tight rope dynamics of Israel, US militaries

"Operation Many Ways" – a daring IDF strike deep in Syrian territory – challenged US-Israel ties, prompting military leaders and diplomats to engage in a delicate dance of strategy and diplomacy behind the scenes.

by  Itay Ilnai
Published on  01-15-2025 09:00
Last modified: 01-15-2025 10:57
Behind the scenes of the tight rope dynamics of Israel, US militariesIDF Spokesperson's Unit

"Operation Many Ways" sought to to destroy a clandestine precision missile factory established by Iran on Syrian territory | Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In the early days of September 2024, the IDF geared up for a high-stakes commando operation codenamed "Many Ways." The mission: to destroy a clandestine precision missile factory established by Iran on Syrian territory. While the daring operation plan had cleared every level of command, one crucial hurdle remained – the final green light that would deploy the fighters to their helicopters. However, a significant concern loomed over the decision-makers in Jerusalem before approving the Syrian operation – the potential American reaction.

"As we approached the Syria operation, tensions with the US were at a breaking point," an Israeli source reveals. "Throughout the conflict, the US' primary concern was the possibility of opening a front against Iran and spiraling into a full-scale war. Their watchword was 'stability.' It was evident to me that an attack on the Iranian missile factory at this juncture would not sit well with the American administration. From their viewpoint, it was an absolute non-starter."

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi believed coordinating the operation with the Americans was unavoidable. The mission was set to unfold deep within Syrian territory, and Halevi understood that if complications arose, the Americans would be the sole potential source of assistance. However, Israel's top political echelon had become convinced that if the White House got wind of the operation beforehand, American officials would staunchly oppose it and might even leak its existence to derail it.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi (Oren Ben Hakoon)

"We found ourselves in a catch-22," a political source explains. "We needed their support, yet we presumed that informing them would lead to the operation's cancellation. It presented a serious quandary."

The resolution to this dilemma, mirroring the approach taken throughout the tumultuous Israeli-American relationship during the war, centered on presentation. After consultation between Israel's political and military leadership, it was decided that Halevi would be the one to brief the Americans about the operation. On the receiving end would be his close associate, CENTCOM commander General Michael Kurilla.

The decision to entrust Halevi with this sensitive task was strategic. It stemmed from the perception that the IDF chief was viewed by the White House as a moderate and judicious figure, driven by professional considerations and inclined to avoid escalation with Iran. More crucially, Halevi and Kurilla had developed a strong professional rapport over the course of the war, which had blossomed into a close friendship.

With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's blessing, Halevi held a private meeting with Kurilla. He briefed his American counterpart on the specifics of the Syrian operation and its necessity, allayed concerns about igniting a conflict with Iran, and requested that Kurilla tactfully relay the message to his superiors in Washington.

The approach proved effective. The White House was persuaded not to obstruct the Syrian operation, and the rest, as they say, is history.

President-elect Donald Trump (Reuters/Brian Snyder)

However, the relationship was not without its heated debates. "Operation Many Ways" serves as just one example of how Israel and the US navigated their complex relationship throughout the war. On one hand, collaboration between the two nations reached unprecedented levels, with the US offering unequivocal support to Israel, meticulously approving Israeli attack strategies, and senior White House officials personally participating in cabinet meetings and General Staff forums – a level of involvement previously unseen.

On the other hand, Israel-US relations during the conflict were far from smooth sailing. There were instances where Israel executed critical operations without prior notification to the US – such as the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah – or took actions that directly contradicted the White House's explicit stance, incurring its wrath, as seen with the incursion into Rafah. Heated arguments between the two sides were not uncommon.

Despite these disagreements, some of which delayed military maneuvers, Netanyahu viewed the sustained American support for Israel as an invaluable asset. The Israeli political and security leadership, from the prime minister down, unanimously agreed that without Washington's backing, Israel would be compelled to halt the war before achieving all its objectives.

"We had to tread very carefully in our dealings with them," admits an Israeli source deeply involved in the intricate relationship with Washington.

Only now, as the Biden administration prepares to hand over the reins to the Trump team, are Israeli political and military circles allowing themselves to unveil the behind-the-scenes management of negotiations with Washington.

The full article appear in Israel Hayom's weekend edition. 

Related Posts

Iran confirms Fordo destruction details for first timeEPA

'Iran failed': Officials shed light on nuclear sites' uranium

by ILH Staff

Reuters reported on Thursday that, according to Israeli intelligence, Iran failed to relocate enriched uranium from its Fordo Natanz, and...

Netanyahu denies Trump pressure amid Doha hostage talksJonathan Ernst/Reuters

Netanyahu denies Trump pressure amid Doha hostage talks

by Ariel Kahana and Danny Zaken

Decisive moments in Washington as the president and Israeli leader push to complete the hostage deal by the weekend.

IDF chief mourns Netzach Yehuda haredi KIAsIDF Spokesperson's Unit

IDF chief mourns Netzach Yehuda haredi KIAs

by Lilach Shoval

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir spoke at the Israel National Defense College graduation ceremony....

Menu

Analysis 

Archaeology

Blogpost

Business & Finance

Culture

Exclusive

Explainer

Environment

 

Features

Health

In Brief

Jewish World

Judea and Samaria

Lifestyle

Cyber & Internet

Sports

 

Diplomacy 

Iran & The Gulf

Gaza Strip

Politics

Shopping

Terms of use

Privacy Policy

Submissions

Contact Us

About Us

The first issue of Israel Hayom appeared on July 30, 2007. Israel Hayom was founded on the belief that the Israeli public deserves better, more balanced and more accurate journalism. Journalism that speaks, not shouts. Journalism of a different kind. And free of charge.

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il

Newsletter

[contact-form-7 id=”508379″ html_id=”isrh_form_Newsletter_en” title=”newsletter_subscribe”]

  • Home
  • News
    • Israel at War
    • Israel
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Jewish World
    • Archaeology
    • Antisemitism
  • Lifestyle
    • Food
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Culture
  • Magazine
    • Feature
    • Analysis
    • Explainer
    • Environment & Wildlife
    • Health & Wellness
  • In Memoriam
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
  • Submit your opinion
  • Terms and conditions

All rights reserved to Israel Hayom

Hosted by sPD.co.il