Retired U.S. Army General and Fox News senior strategic analyst Jack Keane has said Iran appears to be intentionally avoiding direct attacks on Israel during the current Middle East conflict because it expects a forceful Israeli military response if it does.
Speaking during a Fox News interview from 4:30 on Friday, July 17, 2026, Keane discussed the ongoing U.S. military operations targeting Iran’s military infrastructure. He explained that the campaign is designed to weaken Tehran’s ability to threaten American forces, disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and carry out retaliatory attacks in the region.
According to Keane, U.S. strikes have focused on destroying key military assets, including ballistic missiles, drones, missile launchers, command-and-control facilities, and other equipment that could be used against U.S. bases and allied countries. He said the objective is to reduce Iran’s military capabilities and limit its options for retaliation.
Keane argued that despite the growing tensions, Iran has deliberately kept Israel out of the conflict because it understands that any direct attack would likely trigger a swift and overwhelming Israeli response.
“They have not brought Israel into it because Israel would respond very aggressively if they attacked them,” Keane said during the interview.
He further stated that as Iran continues to lose missile and drone capabilities through ongoing military operations, its ability to strike back will diminish, reducing its influence in the conflict. Keane added that the campaign is expected to continue as efforts remain focused on weakening Iran’s military strength and preventing threats to regional security and maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz….See More