ISRAEL’S STRIKE ON IRAN: INITIAL REACTIONS AND POLICY ANALYSIS

Ilan Goldenberg, Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, J Street

A diplomatic agreement that verifiably keeps Iran away from a nuclear weapon would have been a much more effective approach in the long-run to protect US interests and keep Israel secure.

Eran Etzion, Former Head of Israel’s National Security Council

Netanyahu has opened a new era in the Middle East. An era of Israeli-Iranian “nuclear war.” A war whose stated reason is to stop the nuclear project, but which is in fact a threat to the nucleus of the Iranian regime.

Larry Garber, J Street Policy Fellow

An immediate resumption of negotiations at this point regarding Iran’s nuclear program appears futile, but the US and others should look for diplomatic openings that would minimize prospects for future conflict.

Frank Lowenstein, J Street Policy Fellow

Questions that need to be asked about Israel's attack, and responses from Iran, the US, and the region.

Jen Gavito, J Street Contributing Policy Expert

Withdrawal from the JCPOA made Israel less, not more safe. This newest setback to diplomacy will inflame the region even further without, as far as we can tell, a clear strategy for restoring stability on the other side.