Tel Aviv, Israel – The Hebrew newspaper Yediot Aharonot revealed in a wide-ranging report that Western intelligence agencies strongly believe that Iran may seek to drag Israel into a large-scale military confrontation. They also believe Iran may even launch a surprise preemptive strike in an attempt to present a “surprise” to the current Supreme Leader by avenging the assassination of his father, the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The newspaper indicated that this ongoing Iranian endeavor aims to achieve the element of surprise and revenge. It based its assessment on the clear hesitation of the Israeli leadership to return to the spiral of total war. Additionally, the existence of disagreements and cracks in Israeli-American relations play a role. These divisions are something that Tehran seeks in every way to exploit for the benefit of its regional agenda.
The newspaper argued that the political considerations related to the US elections represent a “potential constraint” that may limit the nature and scope of the anticipated US response. From the Iranian perspective, any potential Israeli military involvement could put the US administration in a difficult position. Furthermore, it would give a certain mobilization character to the course of the war.
Trump’s statements and threats of attack
Meanwhile, the newspaper highlighted US President Donald Trump’s statements to Axios, in which he confirmed that he was seriously considering launching “major attacks, bigger than ever before,” against Iran. He stressed that he was “very close to making a decision.” Trump added that “Israel would join the attack within two minutes if I asked them to,” but he emphasized that his country “doesn’t need anyone” to carry out such a large-scale attack on its own. This indicates that Tel Aviv’s participation would have security “consequences,” which was interpreted as a hint at the possibility of Iran launching a massive missile barrage toward Israeli territory in retaliation.
Readiness of the Israeli target bank
For its part, the Israeli news channel i24news revealed that the Israeli security establishment has prepared a “target bank” to be struck as soon as the decision is made to participate in a comprehensive attack in coordination with the United States. The channel quoted a well-informed security official as saying, “The targets are already ready, but everything can change in a second.” The official added that Israel is awaiting the green light and Trump’s approval to proceed. Israel will join the fighting either at the request of the United States or in the event of a direct Iranian attack, whichever comes first.
Reports indicate that intensive security consultations have continued between Israel and the United States in recent days. Tel Aviv has officially informed Washington of its full readiness to join the military campaign should the US president decide to change the current phase. This course of action includes targeting critical infrastructure and inflicting significant damage on the Iranian regime and its strategic threats. These targets include its nuclear and missile programs.
Emergency preparations and official statements
Amid the prevailing uncertainty and the absence of a specific date for the anticipated meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US President next week, Netanyahu is holding an emergency meeting of the Security Cabinet. This comes amid intensive security preparations for a weekend that could witness an unforeseen military escalation.
For his part, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, following extensive security consultations with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and senior military commanders, stated that Israel is prepared for all possible scenarios. He warned that “if Iran attacks Israel, it will receive a crushing blow.” In a related context, President Trump was quoted as saying that “the Iranians want to negotiate, but they are not ready to reach an agreement at the moment, as they haven’t suffered enough pain yet.”
