In a candid interview in Hebrew with Kikar HaShabbat, Shas chairman and War Cabinet member Aryeh Deri offered his firsthand reflections on Israel’s unprecedented military campaign against Iran. Deri described the behind-the-scenes deliberations that preceded the operation, the unexpected successes, and the dramatic moments in the command bunker when the order was given to launch the offensive.
“We paid a heavy price in this war,” Deri acknowledged, referencing the loss of 28 people. “But that number is less than 8% of the minimum estimate we were given before the operation—and not even 3% of the maximum projection. We must recognize the miracles.”
Deri emphasized that the decision to act militarily came only after months of preparation and growing evidence that Iran was fast approaching a nuclear breakout point. “The Iranians advanced their nuclear program significantly,” he said. “It was a matter of weeks until they’d reach the point of no return. We also saw they had created entire industrial lines for missile production. Once we identified the severity of the threat, we knew this was our mission. It was existential.”
He described the tense atmosphere in the bunker on the night the mission—Operation Am K’Lavi—was greenlit. “At first, it looked like we had started on the wrong foot. There were signs that someone—though not from within—had tipped off the Iranians. They spotted planes and evacuated their homes. But what seemed like a disadvantage turned into an advantage. We ended up achieving more than we originally planned. It was one of the few times I’ve seen that happen.”
On the question of whether the operation dismantled Iran’s nuclear capabilities, Deri was measured. “I can tell you that the immediate existential threat—the nuclear program and missiles—has been removed. What will happen in a few years? We must remain vigilant and not become complacent.”
Pressed further on whether the uranium was present in the targeted sites, Deri smiled and simply said, “L’chaim.”
Deri also addressed reports that ground commandos operated covertly inside Iran during the war. While confirming such activity in general terms, he stressed the importance of American support in pulling off the strike, particularly against the Fordow nuclear facility. “There were moments we weren’t sure we’d get U.S. cooperation. We hoped America would stand with us, but we weren’t certain. We understood that everything hinged on one man. And when you’re dealing with America, it all depends on who that one man is.”
Asked what he really thinks of President Trump, Deri didn’t comment directly, but made clear that the U.S.-Israel coordination wasn’t guaranteed. “There were ups and downs. Today it’s easy to paint everything as staged or deceptive. But there were real concerns.”
Regarding the war in Gaza, Deri acknowledged the latest losses, including seven soldiers killed in Khan Yunis. “We heard the news yesterday afternoon, during a discussion about a ceasefire. We had just begun to breathe after two difficult weeks and the tragedy in Be’er Sheva. To receive this kind of news—seven neshamos kedoshos who gave their lives for Am Yisrael—it’s a terrible tragedy. Our hearts are with the families.”
Deri responded to criticism from United Torah Judaism MK Moshe Gafni, who questioned the continuation of fighting in Gaza amid growing casualties. “We now know clearly that Hamas had a detailed plan to destroy Am Yisrael. We had been naive, believing they were focused on economic development. The truth is, they were preparing to annihilate us. Sinwar was the first to act, but they were all part of it. Why are we still fighting? Because their desire to destroy us remains. Hamas hasn’t repented—they’re still a terrorist organization ruling over Gaza. We must eliminate the threat entirely.”
He linked the Iran operation to Gaza’s isolation. “With siyata diShmaya, we cut off Gaza’s oxygen. They have no Hezbollah, no Iran—just isolation and no money. They’ll soon face a choice: surrender, return the hostages, change leadership, or face exile. If not, I hope we move forward with the Gaza emigration plan—with U.S. support.”
“There’s a major opportunity now regarding the hostages,” he added. “I can’t share details, but conditions have never been more favorable to end the war in Gaza.”
Deri reflected on how the October 7 Hamas massacre forced Israel to open its eyes. “That Simchas Torah was the worst disaster in our nation’s history. Humiliation and pain. But it opened our eyes. We had been living in a fool’s paradise. The tragedy was horrific, but it forced us to wake up. That’s the greatness of Am Yisrael—we rise from our darkest moments. That’s siyata diShmaya.”
Turning to domestic politics, Deri revealed that just before the launch of the Iran operation, he had worked until dawn to avert the dissolution of the Knesset over the draft law. “We were minutes from a preliminary vote to dissolve the Knesset. Had that passed, and the next night we launched a war, what would the world say? That we’re going to elections in the middle of a war? What would the Americans think? What would Trump say? But I couldn’t tell anyone. It was all on my shoulders.”
On the issue of the draft law, Deri said a compromise text acceptable to all chareidi parties had been reached. “It’s progressing. I’m not dealing with it right now—it’ll be delayed because of the war—but I believe the disputes are behind us.”
As for when Israel might head to elections, Deri believes the government will serve out its full term. “In my opinion, elections will take place on schedule. There’s no reason to call them early. The government and the prime minister still have many tasks ahead.”
In one of the more striking moments of the interview, Deri spoke of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s own spiritual transformation during the war. “I’ve known him for decades. He didn’t grow up in a home of emunah, unfortunately. But to hear him now speak of siyata diShmaya—after all we’ve been through—there’s no other explanation. We didn’t just deal with Hamas. We faced Hezbollah, Iran, and Syria. You can’t explain that with anything but hashgachah pratis.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Please continue to daven and accumulate z’chuyos for the hostages. Their suffering is unimaginable, unbearable r”l. Shake the heavens for them!