Israel is preparing for the possibility of another military confrontation with Iran within days, with its armed forces on heightened alert over fears that Tehran could launch a pre-emptive attack and Hezbollah could enter the fighting, potentially opening a second front in Lebanon.
The preparations come as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran struggle to produce a breakthrough, while the United States continues reinforcing its military presence across the Middle East.
According to a report published on Sunday by Israeli newspaper Maariv, military officials are increasingly concerned that the confrontation could escalate before the US congressional midterm elections, with Israeli intelligence agencies closely monitoring Iranian developments and military preparations.
The report, written by Israeli journalist Avi Ashkenazi, reveals that Israel’s military establishment is simultaneously preparing for a sudden Iranian attack, a broader confrontation involving Hezbollah and the possibility that Washington could ultimately abandon diplomacy in favour of military action.
Despite three separate mediation efforts currently underway, Israeli security officials reportedly believe the prospects of reaching an agreement remain limited.
Israel Preparing for an Iranian Strike Before US Elections
Israeli military planners are reportedly considering the possibility that Iran could launch an attack before the American midterm elections, potentially triggering a confrontation before Washington completes its diplomatic efforts.
According to Maariv, the Israeli military has increased its operational readiness and is preparing to respond immediately to any Iranian military action.
Israeli intelligence agencies are maintaining continuous surveillance of developments surrounding Iran, particularly as diplomatic negotiations continue without producing what Israeli officials consider meaningful progress.
The heightened alert reflects concerns within Israel’s military establishment that an unexpected Iranian move could rapidly alter the regional security situation.
While attention remains focused on the possibility of direct confrontation between Israel and Iran, Israeli military assessments suggest that the consequences could extend beyond the two countries.
One of the most serious concerns is the possibility that Hezbollah could enter the fighting from Lebanon.
Hezbollah Could Open a Second Front Against Israel
Israeli military officials expect Hezbollah to become involved if another confrontation erupts with Iran, despite what Maariv describes as the difficult circumstances currently facing the Lebanese movement.
According to the newspaper, Israeli assessments suggest Hezbollah could attempt to strike targets inside Israel while also attacking Israeli forces deployed in Lebanon.
Such a development would significantly expand the geographical scope of the confrontation, potentially forcing Israel to conduct simultaneous military operations against Iran and Hezbollah.
In preparation for this scenario, the Israeli military is reportedly developing plans for a large-scale mobilisation of reserve forces and the opening of an additional combat front in Lebanon.
The preparations also include the possibility of launching extensive strikes against Hezbollah positions throughout Lebanese territory.
Israeli military officials have threatened to target the movement’s positions across the country should it become involved in renewed fighting.
The preparations are not limited to offensive military operations.
According to Maariv, Israel’s Home Front Command has been conducting exercises involving its five regular rescue battalions at different locations, intended to strengthen emergency readiness in the event of an attack.
The exercises are taking place as Israeli forces maintain an elevated state of alert, reflecting military concerns that any renewed confrontation with Iran could involve attacks on Israeli territory.
For Lebanon, the prospect of Hezbollah joining another regional confrontation raises the possibility of renewed large-scale Israeli military operations, even as the movement faces what Israeli officials describe as significant difficulties.
Three Mediation Channels, but No Diplomatic Breakthrough
While Israeli forces prepare for possible military escalation, three separate diplomatic channels are attempting to prevent another confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
According to Maariv, the negotiations involve American officials, including Vice President JD Vance, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The mediation efforts are being conducted through separate channels involving Pakistan, Qatar and Russia.
However, a senior Israeli security source quoted by the newspaper expressed scepticism about the likelihood of reaching an agreement.
The source said the three mediation tracks are operating simultaneously but have so far failed to achieve tangible progress.
The newspaper attributed the diplomatic deadlock partly to what it described as the uncompromising position of hardline figures within Iran’s leadership.
The Israeli security source also questioned whether the indirect negotiations could eventually develop into direct talks between Washington and Tehran.
Despite these doubts, diplomatic contacts remain ongoing, with the participating parties continuing their efforts to contain the crisis and prevent military escalation.
The absence of a breakthrough, however, has left Israeli military planners preparing for the possibility that negotiations could collapse while both sides remain on heightened alert.
Washington Reinforces Its Military Presence as Attack Preparations Continue
Alongside the diplomatic negotiations, the United States is continuing to strengthen its military posture in the Gulf and across the wider Middle East.
According to the Israeli report, Washington has been deploying additional troops and air squadrons to military bases in Europe as part of its broader military preparations.
Israeli assessments suggest that the United States may require several more days to complete the mobilisation of the largest possible force in the region should Washington decide to launch military action against Iran.
The continued movement of American military assets comes as Israeli officials closely examine the potential timing of another confrontation, particularly in relation to the US midterm elections.
The parallel developments have created a situation in which diplomatic negotiations and military preparations are advancing simultaneously.
Three international mediation channels remain active, yet Israeli security officials see little indication of an imminent breakthrough.
At the same time, Israel is preparing for the possibility of an Iranian attack, mobilising its military capabilities and planning for Hezbollah’s potential involvement.
For Israeli military planners, the concern is no longer confined to the possibility of another exchange of strikes with Tehran.
It is the prospect that a confrontation involving Iran could rapidly expand into Lebanon, drawing Hezbollah into the fighting while American forces continue assembling the military capabilities needed for a wider operation.
