Former Israel Navy chief says, ‘They promised us hell but they were revealed as pathetic’
Marom argued that the attack reshaped regional alliances and exposed weaknesses in Iran’s threat posture.
Former Israeli Naval Commander V.-Adm. (pic.) Eliezer “Chayni” Marom said in an interview with 103FM on Sunday that Iran made a number of “mistakes” during the conflict, chief among them that Tehran launching a direct attack on Israel from Iranian territory was a “serious strategic mistake.”
Marom argued that the attack reshaped regional alliances and exposed weaknesses in Iran’s threat posture.
The former Israeli Navy chief said the attack was a turning point because it removed uncertainty about Iran’s role and forced regional actors to reassess their interests. “The beginning of the chain is April 14,” he said, referring to the night when Iran launched drones and missiles directly at Israel.
He argued that direct Iranian fire undermined Tehran’s deterrence and increased its exposure, especially since most of the dam had been halted.
Marom said Iran “promised hell” but instead revealed what he described as a limited ability to translate threats into sustained battlefield impact.
Scene where a ballistic missile launched from Iran hits Bet Shemesh in central Israel, causing heavy damage, March 1, 2026 (source: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
The attack was Iran’s first direct attack on Israel
Jerusalem Post It reported at the time that the attack was Iran’s first direct attack on Israel and that Israel, along with its partners, intercepted the vast majority of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched.
Marom also said that Iran’s attitude towards surrounding states has eroded its position in the region, and that Tehran has “burned” relations between neighboring countries and “made a bad name”. He framed the outcome as a clearer regional picture of “who is against whom” following repeated Iranian attacks and threats linked to the broader conflict.
Speaking cautiously, the former Israeli Navy chief assessed that Iran’s ability to carry out its threats is not as extensive as many Israelis believe. He also emphasized that competitors should not be underestimated, even if their performance appears weaker than expected.
In other statements in recent weeks, Marom has warned that even if Iran’s current leadership falls, the outcome may not be democratic and could instead emerge with a military-led government dominated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. He said the leadership vacuum that emerged after the collapse of the regime often led to chaos, especially when there was no single unifying figure.
Marom’s comments come amid ongoing debate in Israel over how to evaluate Iran’s remaining capabilities, the durability of its alliances and the risks of escalation if diplomacy collapses. He also suggested that the next stage could depend on whether the negotiations are successful, warning that the window for a negotiated outcome could narrow.
The former Israeli Navy chief concluded by saying that strategic surprises are possible even when the enemy is exposed, and that “after the fall of any regime, there will almost always be chaos.”
