A Personal Perspective on Israel’s Decision to Act Against Iran’s Nuclear Threat

​JCC Co-President Nachshon Margalit shares his thoughts on Israel’s recent military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities and other key targets. 

​Once calling Israel home and with family still living there, I want to share my thoughts on Israel’s recent military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities and other key targets. This move was not made lightly—it was born out of a very real fear for the safety of our loved ones, our community, and the future of Israel. That fear is not unfounded. For decades, Iranian regime has repeatedly vowed to destroy Israel and for the last 20 months they have been attacking Israeli civilians daily through their proxy terror network!

Having lived in and visited Israel for years, I have witnessed firsthand the fragile balance that sustains peace and security. Today, intelligence from both Israeli and international sources points to a growing threat: Iran has enriched uranium to dangerous levels and is actively pursuing nuclear weapons. These are not hypothetical worries—they are credible, immediate dangers backed by detailed intelligence and confirmed by international watchdogs.
For Israel, Iran’s nuclear ambitions are not just a strategic concern—they are an existential threat. The Israeli leadership, recognizing the urgency, decided that action was needed before Iran reached what experts call “the point of no return,” a stage where halting Iran’s nuclear program would become impossible.

I understand the impossible choices Israel’s leaders face. Recent international negotiations had stalled, and diplomacy seemed to have reached its limits. The decision to act now was shaped by several factors: 

• Iran’s military defenses were weakened by regional conflicts, making a strike possible;
• Iran was developing thousands of ballistic missiles capable of targeting Israeli cities; and
• The timing presented a rare opportunity for effective action.

The operation that unfolded on June 13th was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to protect Israel’s future. It is a reminder that our security, our families, and our heritage sometimes depend on making difficult but necessary choices. I remain hopeful that this is part of a path toward stability and peace—one that will unfold with safety for Israel, diplomacy, and a better future for the Iranian people."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu captured the moment when he said, “We will strike every location that poses a threat and what they have experienced so far is merely a fraction of what they will face in the days ahead,” highlighting Israel’s determination to delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by years.

​While many world leaders have urged restraint and called for de-escalation, some have also recognized the benefits of Israel’s actions in the face of Iran’s nuclear threat:

• The G7, in a joint statement, affirmed that “Israel has the right to defend itself,” and made clear that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” They further stated, “We urge that the resolution of the Iranian crisis leads to a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, including a ceasefire in Gaza”. Germany’s Chancellor said it best, “This is the dirty work that Israel is doing for all of us”.
• The United States, while not directly involved in the strikes, emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and recognized Israel’s need to act. As Secretary of State Rubio put it, “Every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself, and Israel is no exception.” President Trump added, “Iran could be a great country, but only if it abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons.”
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Other leaders have highlighted the broader security benefits.

• The Czech Foreign Minister, Jan Lipavsky, noted, “Iran has long failed to meet its obligations to the international community, and is building up its nuclear program. Iran’s objective is aimed at destroying the state in Israel… So I have a great deal of understanding for… military action to deter the production of a nuclear bomb in the region”.
• Similarly, the Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, stated, “We all understand the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program represents a threat to international peace and security, and we urge the parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy,” acknowledging the need for action while still advocating for diplomatic solutions.

Jews in Israel and the diaspora are scared, very scared right now. As a community, it is important that we stand united, support one another, and continue to pray for peace. We hold onto the hope that strength and resilience will lead to lasting peace in the region."

Israel’s leadership believed the strike was necessary to protect its citizens and to promote peace. The operation aimed to delay Iran’s nuclear program, deter future threats, safeguard our future generations, and reduce the risk of broader regional conflict. By disrupting Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons, Israel and the world gain precious time to pursue diplomatic solutions. Although I don’t see how this would ever be possible under the current regime. Iran made a promise to destroy Israel decades ago and has never wavered from attempting to reach this goal.

​Netanyahu’s action sends a clear message that Iran’s nuclear ambitions will not go unchecked. Irrespective of how we feel about an elected leader, giving credit where credit is due, is important. From my perspective this was the right and only call Netanyahu had to protect Israel.

Of course, military action comes with major risks. Iran and its proxies, such as Hezbollah, may increase retaliation with constant missile attacks or other aggressive terrorist acts. Strategically, Israel has weakened Hezbollah. making them a less significant threat. If Israel had to defend herself against strikes from Iran and Lebanon at the same time, Israel would be significantly more vulnerable. 

Jews in Israel and the diaspora are scared, very scared right now. As a community, it is important that we stand united, support one another, and continue to pray for peace. We hold onto the hope that strength and resilience will lead to lasting peace in the region. 

The operation that unfolded on June 13th was driven by a profound sense of responsibility to protect Israel’s future. It is a reminder that our security, our families, and our heritage sometimes depend on making difficult but necessary choices. I remain hopeful that this is part of a path toward stability and peace—one that will unfold with safety for Israel, diplomacy, and a better future for the Iranian people. Thank you for standing with Israel and for your commitment to our shared values. Let us continue to support each other and pray for a peaceful resolution for all people in the region.

With hope,

​Nachshon Margalit
JCC-Federation of SLO Co-President

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Nachshon asked his family in Israel where Americans could donate that may make a difference. 

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