On sidelines of Iran war, Israel is readying plans in case of escalation

On the periphery of the ongoing US-Iran conflict, Israel is preparing contingency plans should hostilities escalate, according to multiple Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a restricted security meeting on Monday evening to evaluate the evolving situation involving Iran, as reported by an unnamed source. The gathering focused on potential scenarios in which Israel might become directly involved, including a US request for participation, an Iranian action prompting Israeli retaliation, or a preemptive strike against perceived threats. Israeli military authorities have confirmed their readiness to respond swiftly to any aggression directed toward the nation. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir emphasized during a public statement that the armed forces are fully prepared to resume combat operations immediately, stating they would employ substantial force against any entity endangering Israeli sovereignty. While Israel maintains a defensive posture, it has not yet taken part in the current phase of the conflict, which began in early July following Iranian missile attacks near the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump has not issued a directive for Israel to engage in the campaign, and there are no indications of imminent involvement. However, Israeli officials acknowledge that the possibility of increased engagement has grown, particularly if the conflict intensifies or if diplomatic efforts fail to de-escalate tensions. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who attended the security briefing, expressed satisfaction with the current state of affairs. He argued that the ongoing standoff benefits Israel by applying sustained economic strain on Iran, which he views as a critical weakness within the regime. Smotrich highlighted the impact of recent US airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure, suggesting these actions have contributed to the erosion of the country's economic stability and potentially weakened the government's grip on power. Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that the Iranian economy is experiencing severe distress, marked by rising inflation and widespread hardship. These conditions have led to large-scale demonstrations against the ruling authority, further complicating the political landscape in Tehran. Officials believe that continued economic pressure could lead to internal instability, thereby undermining the regime's ability to maintain control over its territory. Senior Israeli officials have noted that the likelihood of a broader conflict involving Israel has increased in recent days. They monitor regional diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing a larger escalation, although the situation remains uncertain. Some members of Trump’s administration advocate for diplomatic solutions to avoid a more extensive military engagement, adding complexity to the strategic calculus. If Israel decides to participate in future operations, officials suggest it would target key assets such as energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities, sites long identified as priorities for Israeli military objectives. These strikes, however, pose considerable risks, including potential disruptions to global oil markets and harm to neighboring Gulf states. Until now, US leadership has avoided taking such measures due to concerns over unintended consequences. In parallel, Netanyahu has persistently sought a direct meeting with Trump, aiming to coordinate strategies regarding the Iran issue. Despite repeated attempts, no specific date has been established for their rendezvous. Their last in-person encounter occurred in February, prior to the resumption of hostilities. Regular communication between the two leaders continues, reflecting the importance they place on aligning their positions amid the unfolding crisis.