Israel signals preparedness as Iran crisis deepens and Lebanon front stays active

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar

Speculation by Israeli security and military officials about a possible U.S. strike on Iran by the end of this week has fueled anxiety among Israelis. 

Both the security and political establishments have kept Iran at the top of their agenda without sidelining the Lebanese front.

Israel has continued its attacks in Lebanon, citing the need to undermine Hezbollah’s ability to rebuild its military capabilities.

Israeli officials are also placing importance on the upcoming “Mechanism” meeting, even as reports quoted an official as saying Israel had requested its postponement because it is scheduled for a Saturday.

In this context, information indicates that Tel Aviv sent a message to Beirut warning that Israel would respond to any attempt by Hezbollah to defend Iran in the event of an attack.

As officials seek to calm public concerns following remarks by former navy commander Eliezer, who said he expects a U.S. strike to take place on Thursday or over the weekend, preparations appear to be underway for a rapid shift to a state of emergency, including the opening of public shelters.

Diplomatically, despite a decision not to comment publicly on developments related to Iran and assurances by the Israeli army spokesperson that Israel intends to remain outside this file pending U.S. action, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has been working to rally ambassadors from several countries in an effort to issue a unified statement designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

As developments related to Iran accelerate, assessments continue to shift, centering on whether U.S. President Donald Trump will respond to Iran’s demand for negotiations, or whether an escalation of protests and killings inside Iran will push Israel to view a military strike as more likely than diplomacy.