Iran may have only begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz after claiming they had done so, former commander of the Israeli Navy V.-Adm. (res.) Eliezer "Cheny" Marom theorized during an interview with 103FM on Tuesday.
“This is a very strange event,” he said. “The Iranians claimed they planted mines in the Strait of Hormuz, but I haven’t seen any mines so far. Suddenly, they say the Americans attacked boats that came to place mines. I think the Iranians decided not to reveal their bluff and chose to actually place a few mines there.”
Marom explained that planting mines in water has become a less popular tactic in recent years due to the danger of the procedure.
“If a tanker suddenly explodes with a thousand tons of fuel, we can see what they fear. Imagine a huge ship carrying two million barrels exploding, and all the fuel spreading across the sea. Those are horrific images no one wants to see,” he explained.
When asked about Iran’s demand that a ceasefire also include Lebanon and Tehran's lack of response to the US strikes, Marom interpreted this as a sign of willingness to continue negotiations.
“The Americans strike, and the Iranians don’t respond, which signals they want to continue negotiating,” he said.
According to Marom, Tehran sees the situation as a success.
“They feel they are in a strong position and have won the war. In their eyes, Trump will blink first, and they have full legitimacy to reach an agreement. We always said before the war that the fronts wouldn’t be united, but the Iranians succeeded in talks with the Americans to include Lebanon in the agreement as well.”
Marom also addressed the situation for residents in northern Israel, sending a message to the political leadership.
“My heart is with the residents of the north,” he said. “The government needs to step up, and leadership means going out and telling people the situation clearly. Even if the situation is difficult, the prime minister and defense minister need to be present, speak with residents in the north, and explain the situation as clearly as possible to manage expectations.”
Marom illustrated the sense of insecurity in the area through a conversation with a friend from the north.
“I was sitting with my friend in the north, and he told me he does a situational assessment before he goes to shower because he doesn’t know when he’ll have a few seconds to run to the safe room.”
Marom: practical effect of ex-MAG dismissal ‘very small’
Marom was also asked whether former military advocate general Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi’s dismissal from the IDF was a case of too little, too late.
"I thought she had been dismissed from the army a long time ago. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened until now. She’s already involved in legal proceedings,” he said. “There’s no reason for her to remain in the army, and I don’t think she should stay.”
Marom noted that the practical significance of the dismissal is limited.
“The significance of this is very small because she’s already effectively out. The chief of staff simply doesn’t want her to continue receiving a military salary,” Marom said.
Eldad noted that the former military advocate general is expected to receive a military pension at the rank of major general, as has occurred with other senior officers in the past. Marom urged keeping perspective.
“There are people who did far more serious things in Israel and still receive a pension. "This is a very unpleasant situation, and I don't envy her or her family. She has an ordeal she needs to get through right now, and it's not simple. I suggest we leave her alone,” he said.