Iran war could go 'from zero to one hundred,' Israel is prepared for renewed fighting - analysis

Israel's defense establishment is closely monitoring Iran's potential reaction to recent U.S. military operations, anticipating possible missile attacks. The situation remains volatile, with U.S. President Donald Trump declaring an end to the agreement with Iran. Meanwhile, Iran is actively seeking to include Hezbollah in any ceasefire negotiations, despite dozens of its operatives reportedly remaining in tunnels in southern Lebanon.

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The defense establishment assessed that the Iranians do not intend to return to fighting, but rather to maximize the negotiation process with the Americans and “drag out” time.

A security source described the situation as "fragile and explosive," noting that U.S. forces have not reduced their presence, allowing for a rapid escalation from "zero to one hundred." This assessment comes as Iran continues to issue provocative statements against the U.S. and Trump, including calls for revenge and threats against American military forces. Officials in the defense establishment confirmed that Iran is demanding Hezbollah's inclusion in a ceasefire agreement, a demand Israel and the U.S. have so far rejected.

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It is clear that if the Iranian trend continues, he could lose patience.

Despite the heightened tensions, U.S. forces are slated to remain in Israel at least until early 2027, based on agreements with local suppliers mediated by the Defense Ministry and the IDF. The prevailing assessment within the Israeli defense establishment is that Iran does not intend to return to full-scale fighting. Instead, they believe Iran aims to maximize its negotiation leverage with the Americans and prolong the process. However, there is uncertainty regarding Trump's reaction to Iran's continued public insults and provocations, with one senior security source indicating that "it is clear that if the Iranian trend continues, he could lose patience."

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At this point in time, there are very major opportunities here that are putting pressure on Hezbollah and illustrating how much distress the Shi’ite organization is in.

The ongoing pressure on Hezbollah, highlighted by the current diplomatic standoff, is seen as a significant opportunity. A senior security source noted the "very major opportunities here that are putting pressure on Hezbollah and illustrating how much distress the Shi’ite organization is in," despite the pressures Hezbollah exerts on the political system.

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The world saw the American war machine return to action against Iran.