Over the years, Israel has achieved an important accomplishment on the Iranian nuclear issue. It introduced the issue into global consciousness and succeeded in persuading numerous governments about the severity of the threat. In other words: Iran is on its way to developing nuclear weapons, and such weapons in the hands of Tehran’s extremist regime creates a real threat to the stability of the Middle East, to the security of many countries and to Israel’s security as well. Therefore, everything must be done to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

This achievement was not obvious. Israel succeeded by making a years- long effort that included disseminating intelligence information about the progress of Iran’s nuclear program, maintaining contact with a number of foreign governments and international bodies and by Israeli leaders repeatedly asserting that the country would not accept a nuclear Iran.

In this respect, Israel’s achievement is impressive. Until a few years ago, there was a debate among governments, intelligence communities and experts about the significance of Iran’s nuclear program – and mainly over whether Iran intends to, and is capable of, developing nuclear weapons. The debate is over. Today, no serious figure accepts Iran’s claim that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes. Israel had important partners in bringing about this awareness: The U.S. government and others in the West, the International Atomic Energy Agency and its inspectors who exposed the suspicious elements of Iran’s nuclear program and the Iranians themselves. Their suspicious behavior in this affair has indicated that they have something to hide.

However, in recent months Israel’s declarations have led it to a disconcerting and harmful position. Israel is currently perceived as the one trying to push the American government to act against its own interests and against its will. Israel has emphasized that it is responsible for its own security if it comes to the conclusion there is no way to stop Iran other than by use of force. Yet there are those in the U.S. who suspect that behind declarations about the necessity of a military option lies the intention of spurring the U.S. into attacking Iran. It has superior tools for carrying out such an operation. The U.S. administration is concerned that even if Israel attacks, it would be dragged into the conflict if Iran responds by striking U.S. or its allies’ targets in the Gulf.

According to this view, if the U.S. attacks Iran or becomes entangled in a violent conflict following an Israeli strike, Israel will be blamed. Moreover, even now, before a single bullet has been fired at Iran, the U.S. administration, namely U.S. President Barack Obama, has almost explicitly said that Israel’s remarks about a potential military strike have led to higher oil prices.

It goes without saying that the price of oil is a central concern for most governments in the world, and is certainly extremely important to Obama. The price of oil could negatively affect his election to a second term in office. The more the claim takes root that a bond exists between Israel’s position on Iran and higher oil prices, Israel will likely face a wave of comments and accusations from Western countries.

For that reason, Israeli leaders must lower their profiles – at least publicly – when it comes to launching an attack on Iran, but not give up on the principle of the matter. The accomplishment has already been achieved. The severity of the Iranian nuclear threat is clear to almost all governments, and they are taking into account that Israel could strike if diplomacy and sanctions fail. That is the main reason they are now willing to impose unprecedented sanctions on Iran’s financial and oil sectors. It is also safe to assume that Iran has gotten the message and believes that Israel is likely to attack. At this point, there is no use in adding fuel to the fire and repeating again and again the necessity for military action if left with no other choice. It’s best to leave that for discussions behind closed doors. Perhaps silence on Israel’s part will persuade the Iranians that it is conducting a covert operation meant to catch them off guard and surprise them. It’s not for nothing that they say silence is golden.

The writer is deputy head of the Institute for National Security Studies.