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Israel prepares for Iran conflict escalation, but stays on sidelines for now

From Egypt Independent · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Israel is preparing operational plans for a potential escalation with Iran, though it remains on the sidelines of the current US-Iran conflict.
  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security meeting to discuss scenarios for Israel's potential involvement, including at Washington's request or in response to an Iranian action.
  • Israeli officials, including the finance minister, believe the current economic pressure on Iran serves Israel's interests and that there is no immediate desire to join the fighting.

Israel is drawing up operational plans for a potential escalation in the US-Iran conflict, with its forces on high alert. However, the country currently remains on the sidelines and has no immediate plans to join the fighting, according to three Israeli sources. Israel has not been a direct participant in the renewed hostilities that began in early July after Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington has also not yet requested Israel's involvement.

We will be ready.

— Israeli sourceDescribing Israel's readiness if US President Donald Trump were to decide to significantly expand strikes and call on Israel to join.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently convened a limited security meeting to review the latest developments with Iran. The discussion covered possible scenarios that could draw Israel into the conflict. These include joining at Washington's request, an Iranian action that triggers Israeli retaliation, or a preemptive Israeli strike against what is perceived as an imminent threat. The military's readiness was underscored by IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who stated, "We are prepared for an immediate return to fighting and will act with great force against anyone who harms us."

We are prepared for an immediate return to fighting and will act with great force against anyone who harms us.

— Eyal ZamirIDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir underscoring the military’s readiness.

Despite the heightened alert, Israel's current preference is to maintain the status quo, allowing the US and Iran to continue their exchange of blows while economic pressure on Tehran builds. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who attended the security consultation, stated that Israel has no interest in joining the campaign at the moment. He argued that the limited confrontation between Iran and the US benefits Israeli interests by increasing pressure on the Iranian regime, which he believes is best crushed economically. Israel assesses that recent US strikes have significantly impacted Iran's transportation and commerce networks, further weakening the regime amid rampant inflation and poverty that fueled earlier protests.

At the moment, Israel has no interest in joining the campaign.

— Bezalel SmotrichFinance Minister Bezalel Smotrich explaining Israel's current stance on joining the conflict.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Egypt Independent in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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