Israel's military keeps options open for Iran strike while awaiting U.S. direction

Israel's defence establishment says it is maintaining readiness for a potential strike on Iran, even as no significant increase in U.S. forces has been observed in the region. American troops have been reinforced in southern Israel and routine movements have occurred in the Arabian Sea, but officials note that the security environment could shift rapidly depending on decisions made in Washington.

The Israeli military has continued routine operations without any unusual activity, awaiting diplomatic developments to shape its next steps. Earlier tensions between IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz over a proposed Iranian operation were resolved after Zamir and U.S. officials blocked the plan, citing concerns that a major strike could jeopardise Israel's elections.

During the election period, senior IDF leaders limited public briefings to keep the armed forces out of political debate. After the elections, concerns persist about large-scale actions against Iran that could affect Israel's home front and the evolving political landscape.

Israeli officials are trying to gauge both the likelihood of renewed fighting and the objectives of any such operation. While Israel previously cooperated with the United States in Operation Roaring Lion to weaken Tehran, the two allies now appear to have divergent goals: Israeli leadership has spoken of toppling the Iranian regime, whereas some U.S. voices favour a rapid, limited strike aimed at pressuring Iran into a more favourable nuclear agreement.

The IDF is refining procedures and preparing strike plans, also considering the possibility that an Iranian operation could trigger another round of fighting in Lebanon. Forces along the Lebanese border are clearing areas while adapting to winter conditions, and contingency plans against Hezbollah are being updated.

In the West Bank, the army is working to keep tensions below the escalation threshold and has managed to disrupt a series of terrorist attacks by individuals and local cells. Settlement activity has increased in Samaria and the Binyamin region, a trend that could accelerate if political negotiations lead to a new government or if a caretaker administration remains in place ahead of another election.