In light of reports in global media, the Israel Defense Forces has raised its alert level to the highest possible level.
This does not mean Israel will take part in US strikes. However, Israeli officials are preparing for the possibility that Iran will launch missiles at Israel as American attacks intensify. The country's air defense systems have therefore been placed on extremely high alert.
The IDF's offensive units are on alert in case Israel is required to respond, or US President Donald Trump asks it to join the operation. In addition, the IDF has independent plans for strikes in Iran, as well as joint plans with the US Central Command, but it is far from certain that Israel will participate in any American attack on Iran.
The main reason Trump may seek Israel's involvement is the professionalism and exceptional capabilities of the Israeli Air Force. During Operation "Lion's Roar," it achieved highly successful results and demonstrated capabilities in areas where the US military has been less effective.
Nevertheless, the prevailing assessment in Israel is that, at this stage, the US will carry out a powerful attack on its own, although Israel could still be targeted in retaliation.
It is worth recalling a report in the US claiming that the American military does not have sufficient capabilities to defend Israel against Iranian missiles. This also helps explain Israel's reluctance to join the campaign.
Trump's own considerations must also be taken into account. He will almost certainly not want to appear as though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again drawn him into a confrontation with Iran. Trump may also be seeking to build an Arab coalition against Iran in the Middle East, and Israel's involvement in such a coalition could prove problematic for some participating countries.
In any event, no one in Israel is taking chances, and defensive preparations are at their highest level. Offensive forces are also preparing for the possibility that they will need to respond to an Iranian attack.
Another scenario that Israeli officials have not entirely ruled out is an Iranian attempt to challenge Israel through Hezbollah in the north.
An IDF officer was moderately wounded over the past 24 hours during an encounter with terrorists on the Ali Taher Ridge, after they attempted to escape from an underground site in the area. Israeli forces killed the terrorists at the scene.
