Israel’s security establishment has elevated its defensive alert status in anticipation of a potential major US military strike against Iran. This move follows reports that the United States is preparing to target Iranian energy facilities and infrastructure, raising concerns within Israel regarding possible retaliatory actions from Tehran.
President Donald Trump recently intensified his rhetoric, warning that the US would strike Iran “very hard” and suggesting that the nation would soon reach a breaking point. These statements align with earlier warnings from mid-July, when Trump declared that if negotiations failed, the US would shut down Iranian power stations and bridges. Iran has consistently countered these threats, warning that any assault on its infrastructure would trigger retaliatory strikes across the region.
According to reports from Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel is assessing the possibility that the US may target Iranian infrastructure, which could subsequently draw Israel into the conflict. Channel 12 reported that the Israeli security establishment is preparing for both a unilateral US attack and a scenario involving Israeli participation with the approval of the Trump administration. An unidentified Israeli official described the current situation as being “on the verge of an explosion,” noting that tensions have reached their highest level.
The official further claimed that President Trump is now “closer than ever” to authorizing a major strike, as he reportedly views continued negotiations with Tehran as “a waste of time.” Channel 13 characterized the current climate as “critical hours” as the administration nears a decision on a large-scale offensive. Diplomatic efforts have largely stalled since the two nations signed a war-ending memorandum on June 18, with disagreements persisting over security arrangements and navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz. These current tensions follow a previous military engagement on February 28, during which Iran reported over 3,000 casualties following combined US and Israeli strikes.
