Against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and a series of extensive American strikes overnight on Iranian targets, Israel made clear last night (Wednesday) that it won’t wait for further escalation to prepare for renewed combat with Iran. Officials said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are ready at any moment for both defense and offense.
Israeli assessments were that a collision course between Iran and the United States is inevitable. This came despite President Trump preferring, at least at this stage, to continue managing negotiations to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program—contrary to his public statements.
Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held a series of urgent security consultations and situation assessments—expected to continue this evening as well. Officials said: “If Iran chooses to drag us into the cycle of escalation, we will strike with force.”