Israel has raised the alert and readiness amid assessments that US President Donald Trump is close to deciding to resume military strikes against Iran, potentially on an even larger scale, two Israeli sources told The Jerusalem Post.
Israeli officials told the Post that “we are on high alert and awaiting the president’s final decision.”
While it remains unclear whether Trump would seek to involve Israel in the initial phase of such an operation, Israel’s working assumption is that any major strike on Iran, even one carried out without direct Israeli participation, would likely draw Israel into the conflict.
Israel not asked to join attacks on Iran, officials say
Meanwhile, an Israeli official told CBS that “Israel is not aware of a decision to fully resume military activity, and has not been asked to join any military action against Iran.”
During the day, the US Embassy also updated its travel advisory, recommending that US citizens in Israel consider leaving due to rising tensions or be prepared to depart if an escalation occurs.
US embassies in Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq issued similar warnings.
Additionally, earlier on Saturday, The Washington Post reported that US European Command chief Gen. Alexus Grynkewich privately warned the Pentagon this week that he did not have enough naval forces available to continue defending Israel against Iranian ballistic missiles.
According to the report, which cited US officials, Grynkewich sent a written message to senior Pentagon officials warning that unless he received an additional US Navy destroyer, he would have to prioritize defending the US homeland over continuing to protect Israel from missile attacks.
The US Navy is under particularly heavy strain after the Trump administration ordered a blockade of Iranian ports in response to Tehran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the report.
The confrontation disrupted the movement of Middle Eastern oil and other goods through the strait and shook the global economy.
The report also noted that US Navy destroyers stationed in the eastern Mediterranean have served for years as part of Israel’s defensive network. The vessels, equipped with advanced radar systems and a range of missiles, have intercepted missiles launched toward Israel from both Iran and the Houthis.
Amit Avitan contributed to this report.