Khaberni - The Israeli newspaper Maariv reported, citing a senior Israeli military source, "If the Iranians drag us into the incident, they will realize they have made a grave mistake. We are fully prepared to defend and attack."
Israeli military sources told the newspaper today (Thursday) that the air force has been on high alert over the past few days. A military source added: "We are fully prepared for various scenarios, whether in defense or attack, and we are growing stronger day by day."
The site added: "Despite Israel's assurances of not wanting to get involved in any confrontation with Iran, the Israeli military clarifies that the air force is fully prepared to face any defensive scenario against the Iranian threat, as well as any potential attack."
The Israeli military is preparing as if the United States would allow it to operate alongside American forces in case Israel is attacked by Iran. The Israeli military is also robustly preparing for the possibility of engaging in war on other fronts, whether Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen. A military source says: "Here too, we are fully ready for both defensive and offensive operations," according to the newspaper.
Earlier this week, Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), met with senior defense officials, including the Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and the Air Force Commander Tomer Bar. Today, it was announced that the head of the Military Intelligence Directorate, Major General Shlomi Binder, arrived in Washington in recent days, where he met with senior Pentagon officials.
In the meantime, concurrent with intense mediation efforts to prevent the outbreak of a military conflict, the Mayor of Tehran announced today that due to the heightened risk of war, authorities have begun transforming some subway stations and underground parking lots into public shelters. This directive to equip these shelters aims to provide immediate shelter for civilians and reflects the increasing concern of the Iranian leadership about the outbreak of a large-scale military conflict.
In the military realm, the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the Iranian army had received one thousand new strategic drones, distributed across various branches. The army commander, Amir Hatami, stated that this move comes as a direct response to security threats. Hatami said: "In line with emerging threats, the army maintains its strategic advantages and enhances them for rapid combat and mounting a crushing response to any aggressor," adding that improving comprehensive response capabilities is now a top priority.
